President Bola Tinubu has taken significant steps to ease the burden on students of higher institutions of learning in light of the fuel subsidy removal. In a statement by Mr. Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, the following measures have been approved:
Provision of Buses: The President has approved the provision of buses to student bodies in all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country. This move aims to facilitate easy access to campuses and alleviate the impact of increased transportation costs on students, parents, and guardians.
Removal of Restrictions on Students’ Loans: To ensure that no Nigerian student abandons their educational pursuits due to financial constraints, all restrictions on student loans have been lifted. The loan will be made available to any student or household in need.
Caution Against Arbitrary School Fee Increase: President Tinubu has directed all Federal tertiary institutions to refrain from implementing arbitrary increases in various fees. If possible, further fee increases will be deferred to ease the financial strain on parents.
Conditional Cash Transfers and Food Distribution: Efforts are being made to provide vulnerable students with conditional cash transfers and food distribution support to enhance their educational experience.
President Tinubu commended the courage, wisdom, and partnership of Nigerian students during this challenging time. He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritize education and the welfare of students, teaching, and non-academic staff. Additionally, he pledged to invest in infrastructure in institutions of higher learning, making them more globally competitive.
