By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had pledged to provide student loans for indigent students during his 2023 presidential campaign, a promise that resonated with many Nigerians as it was the first time a presidential candidate had proposed such an initiative.
However, what the president did not disclose during the campaign was that he would also remove education subsidies once in office. On his first day in office, May 29, 2023, President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies, stating that the funds saved would be used to improve healthcare and education.
Many Nigerians expected these savings to be allocated to the education sector. However, the removal of education subsidies led to a sharp increase in fees at public tertiary institutions across the country.Â
These institutions, facing increased overhead costs, raised tuition and hostel fees by up to 300%, with some introducing additional charges such as electricity fees ranging from N10,000 to N20,000 per session. Hostel accommodation costs also surged by 250%.
In response to growing student concerns, President Tinubu reiterated his campaign promise and launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) one year into his tenure. Unfortunately, by the time the loan scheme was implemented, many students had already dropped out due to the financial burden. NELFUND announced that the loan would cover institutional charges and upkeep, with the former being remitted directly to institutions and the latter disbursed to students monthly. However, the monthly stipend of N20,000 proved insufficient to meet the needs of most students, given Nigeria’s economic realities.
Critics argue that instead of offering student loans, the government should use the funds to directly subsidize education and prevent the commercialization of tertiary institutions. They point out that Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasizes ensuring quality primary and secondary education for all, which is essential for increasing the number of youths and adults with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Public confidence in Nigeria’s primary and secondary education system has plummeted due to the poor conditions of public schools, leading to over 18 million out-of-school children, according to UNICEF. These children are beyond the reach of the student loan scheme, underscoring the need for the government to invest in education infrastructure and reduce the number of out-of-school children. Nigeria’s position as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children globally poses significant productivity and economic challenges.
The student loan model has struggled even in advanced countries like the United States, casting doubt on its sustainability in Nigeria. The best way to achieve quality education, critics argue, is through increased government funding. The Ministry of Education should prioritize policies that make education accessible to all, urging the federal government to increase the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) tax from 2% to 3% and allocate 20% of the national budget to education, in line with UNESCO recommendations. Currently, the Tinubu administration has allocated N2.18 trillion, or approximately 7.9% of the national budget, to education.
To truly advance education in Nigeria, the government must combat corruption, establish a culture of maintenance, and partner with private organizations. Addressing the widespread poverty and economic hardship that drives children to labor instead of school, alongside enforcing strict laws against child labor, is crucial. Schools need adequate infrastructure, including basic amenities like chairs and tables, to foster a conducive learning environment.
Furthermore, the government must prioritize teacher training and development, provide adequate teaching materials and resources, and review the curriculum to ensure it remains relevant and of high quality. Establishing a robust system for monitoring and evaluating educational outcomes will also ensure accountability and drive continuous improvement. By addressing these challenges and implementing effective solutions, Nigeria can achieve quality education and meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
