The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to maintain transparency in the implementation of the student loan scheme.

NANS National President, Pedro Obi, made this appeal in a statement in Abeokuta on Friday, emphasizing the need for appointing individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to manage the loan disbursement.

NANS highlighted that transparency is crucial for the success and sustainability of the scheme.

The association also addressed the urgent issue of Nigerian students allegedly being deported from Teesside University in the United Kingdom for defaulting on school fees.

They urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to protect the rights and futures of Nigerian students abroad.

While commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for initiating the student loan scheme, NANS stressed the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in its implementation.

They believe that if properly managed, the loan scheme could alleviate the financial burdens of many students and their families and potentially reduce the number of Nigerian students seeking education abroad.

The statement read: “To ensure the success and integrity of the student loan scheme, we urge the federal government to prioritize transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the loans, and this must be done by engaging all relevant stakeholders.

“It is crucial that the government appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the disbursement of student loans. These appointees should be drawn from diverse backgrounds, including academia, finance, and civil society, to ensure a balanced and fair administration.

“We also urge the government to put in place transparent and effective monitoring mechanisms to track the disbursement process and ensure that funds are allocated appropriately. This includes regular audits, public reporting, and feedback channels for students to report any issues or irregularities.’’