Daud Olatunji
In a press statement released on Monday, the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Muslim Alumni (MAPAMA) has expressed their admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive regarding the take-off of the Student Loan scheme.
Tinubu’s announcement was made last week during the 29th Nigeria Economic Summit, organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
In his directive, he emphasized the need for the scheme, which had been signed into law earlier in the year, to commence full operation by January 2024.
MAPAMA’s Head of Media and Publicity Committee, Tajudeen Balogun, stressed the timeliness and significance of Tinubu’s directive, as many stakeholders had been eagerly awaiting specifics regarding the scheme’s commencement.
With numerous tertiary institutions in the country either resuming or preparing for the new academic session, the timing aligns with the educational calendar.
However, while welcoming the directive, MAPAMA also cautioned that the implementation of the scheme, acknowledged as the most intricate aspect, should be approached with meticulous attention to detail to avoid any hitches during its launch or midway.
In this regard, the alumni group urged President Tinubu to ensure that all government departments and agencies responsible for executing the scheme are adequately prepared and fulfill their roles prior to the official launch.
They emphasized that the scheme is a long-term endeavor and a crucial government social intervention aimed at supporting students and parents in their pursuit of higher education.
Therefore, it is imperative that all agencies involved in its implementation are committed to a smooth start and sustainable operation.
MAPAMA also emphasized the need for beneficiaries, parents, and guardians to actively contribute to the scheme’s success.
They encouraged students to view the loan as a responsibility, committing to repay it after completing their education.
They urged against the “it’s national cake” mentality and called for a sense of ownership and accountability.
Furthermore, the group urged the government to maintain the scheme as a non-partisan social intervention, ensuring it remains free from political influence.
They stressed the importance of preserving the scheme’s integrity and impartiality.
Additionally, MAPAMA congratulated President Tinubu on his recent victory at the Supreme Court, urging him to focus on the task of nation-building and encouraging the opposition to play their roles objectively.
They called upon various sectors, including professional bodies, civil society groups, mass media, religion, and traditional institutions, to actively contribute to the nation’s progress.
The statement was signed by Tajudeen Balogun, Head of MAPAMA Media and Publicity Committee, on Monday, October 30, 2023.
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