Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Advertise with us Tuesday, June 17
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Platform TimesPlatform Times
    VIDEOS
    • Home
    • News
    • Metro
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health
    • Special Reports
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Interview
    Platform TimesPlatform Times
    • Home
    • News
    • Metro
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health
    • Special Reports
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Interview
    Home»Education

    Student Loan Ploy to Enslave Nigerian Students — ASUU

    Platform Times NewspaperBy Platform Times NewspaperMay 28, 2024 Education No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Calabar Zone has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s newly introduced student loan scheme, labeling it as a calculated attempt to enslave Nigerian students by indebting them perpetually.

    Last Friday marked the official launch of the Federal Government’s student loan program, with the application portal opening to an overwhelming response—3,764 students from 126 institutions submitted applications on the first day alone. 

    The government asserts that the initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any Nigerian youth from pursuing higher education.

    However, during a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, Dr. Happiness Uduk, Zonal Chairperson of ASUU, expressed grave concerns over the student loan scheme.

     Dr. Uduk condemned it as a “ploy to enslave Nigerian youths,” criticizing the irony of leaders who themselves benefited from scholarships, meal subsidies, and bursaries now imposing loans on students.

    “It is disheartening that people who attended schools on scholarship, enjoyed meal subsidies, free laundry services, and bursary awards are the same running our economy today,” Uduk stated.

     “Their children are on scholarship in the best foreign universities in the world but after siphoning our economy, they turn around to impose a strangulating education loan on taxpayers’ children who will be enslaved and remain indebted to the country forever. 

    They do not mind the devastating effect of this scheme on the country, such as depression, suicide, and colossal loss of intellectuals.”

    ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, has also been a vocal critic of the loan scheme, advocating instead for the provision of bursaries to support students. 

    Dr. Uduk, in a joint statement with eight union chairpersons, argued that rather than offering loans, the Federal Government should provide subventions to higher institutions, which would foster a positive transformation within tertiary education.

    “To this end, we vehemently condemn the idea of education loans and state clearly that using the money for intervention in higher institutions will bring about a positive turnaround of events that will make our institutions self-reliant with highly subsidized tertiary education in Nigeria,” Uduk declared.

    ASUU’s demands extend beyond the student loan issue. Dr. Uduk called on the Federal Government to return to the negotiation table and re-evaluate the agreement reached between ASUU leadership and the Prof. Nimi Brigs-led government committee, aiming to update the terms in light of current economic conditions and establish an acceptable salary structure for university lecturers.

    Dr. Uduk also criticized the unregulated establishment of new universities without sufficient funding from both federal and state governments. 

    She emphasized the importance of implementing the 2020 ASUU-FGN Memorandum of Action, which includes a review of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act to prevent the reckless proliferation of universities.

    “We urge the President Tinubu-led administration to refrain from further proliferation of universities and rather consolidate on the already existing ones.

     What we need are universities that are adequately equipped and empowered to address the challenges confronting Nigeria, not glorified schools,” she asserted.

    Pelican Valley'
    Cattle Bizness Network'
    The Rehla'
    Pelican Valley'

    Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

    We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE

    Pelican Valley
    Platform Times Newspaper
    • Website

    Platform Times is a trailblazing news website that empowers grassroots communities across Africa by delivering the latest news through engaging multimedia content. By leveraging photos, text, and videos, the site inspires concerned citizens and activists worldwide to take action against critical issues, including corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and democratic disregard.

    Keep Reading

    OPINION : Can a Meme Make You Vote? New Research Says Yes — And No

    Executive, Lack Of Autonomy, Responsible For Our Low Performance, Says Ogun Lawmaker

    UNICEF, Stakeholders Urge Improved Budget Implementation For Nigerian Children’s Rights

    Benue Killings: Insiders Aiding Attackers, Says Defence Chief

    Insecurity: State Police No Longer Optional, Tinubu Tells Lawmakers

    2027: Only Tinubu Can Decide Shettima’s Fate — APC Vice Chair

    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    The Rehla
    The Rehla
    The Rehla
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley

    Platform Times is a trailblazing news website that empowers grassroots communities across Africa by delivering the latest news through engaging multimedia content. By leveraging photos, text, and videos, the site inspires concerned citizens and activists worldwide to take action against critical issues, including corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and democratic disregard.

    We're social. Connect with us:

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • Download Platform Times app

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest update news

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • Download Platform Times app
    © 2025, All Rights Reserved | Platform Times Newspaper | Powered By CyberWarrior

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.