The Federal Government has been urged to extend the Students’ Loan initiative to students of private universities in the country.
The scheme, introduced by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as a relief measure following the removal of fuel subsidy, is currently available only to students of public tertiary institutions.
Former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara delivered the charge on Saturday at the 13th convocation ceremony of Achievers University in Owo, Ondo state.
Mr Dogara, the University’s Chancellor, commended the government for initiating the scheme but warned that it was discriminatory against students of private universities.
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“Let me appeal to the Federal Government to consider the plight being faced by students of tertiary institutions,” he said during his address.
“I join my voice in the call for the inclusion of private university students in the Students’ Loan Scheme of this administration as part of the palliative measures since they are also Nigerians.”
Mr Dogara’s comments stand in support of students at private universities, the majority of whom are stereotyped as coming from wealthy homes and not needing financial aid when compared to their counterparts in public tertiary universities.
“The scheme should also be properly managed for the benefit of the teeming youths of this country,” he added.
