The upper legislative chamber’s resolution followed its
consideration of the report of the senate committee on tertiary institutions
and TETFUND.
Muntari Dandutse, chair of the committee, presented the
report during plenary on Wednesday.
You can read the proposed amendments to the student loan
here.
‘EXPEDITIOUS CONSIDERATION’
On March 14, President Bola Tinubu asked the national
assembly to repeal and reenact the student loan law.
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives,
read the president’s letter during plenary.
The president sent a similar letter to the senate, asking
the lawmakers to accord his request “expeditious consideration”.
Godswill Akpabio, president of the senate, read the senate’s
version during plenary in the red chamber.
“Pursuant to Section 58 (2) of the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward, herewith, the
Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2024
for the kind consideration of the House,” Tinubu’s letter reads.
“The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and
Re-enactment) Bill, 2024 seeks to enhance the implementation of the Higher
Education Student Loan Scheme by addressing challenges related to the
management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF), applicant
eligibility requirements, loan purpose, funding sources, and disbursement and
repayment procedures.”
A conference committee of the senate and house of
representatives would be set up to harmonise the bill, after which it will be
sent to the president for assent.
