In a powerful appeal that could reshape Nigeria's educational landscape, Professor Debo Adeyewa, the distinguished Vice-Chancellor of Kings University, has issued a compelling call to the Federal Government. The academic leader demands immediate inclusion of private universities in the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
The Equity Argument
Professor Adeyewa emphasized that excluding private institutions from the student loan program creates an unfair disadvantage for countless Nigerian students. "Education should be accessible to all qualified students, regardless of whether they attend public or private institutions," the Vice-Chancellor stated during an exclusive interview.
Breaking Down Barriers
The current exclusion policy, according to Professor Adeyewa, effectively penalizes students who choose private university education. Many of these institutions maintain rigorous academic standards and contribute significantly to Nigeria's human capital development, yet their students face financial barriers that their public university counterparts don't.
Key Benefits of Inclusion
- Increased access to quality education for more Nigerian students
- Reduced financial pressure on middle-class families
- Enhanced competition and quality across all tertiary institutions
- Better alignment with global educational funding practices
A Call for Immediate Action
Professor Adeyewa's appeal comes at a critical moment as the Federal Government continues to implement its educational reform agenda. The Vice-Chancellor stressed that time is of the essence, with many qualified students potentially missing out on educational opportunities in the upcoming academic year.
The academic leader's position reflects growing concerns among education stakeholders about creating a truly inclusive and equitable higher education funding system in Nigeria. As the debate continues, all eyes remain on the Federal Government's response to this urgent appeal.
