Nigeria ASUU Rejects Student Loans, Pushes for Non- Refundable Grants

The Bauchi Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has firmly rejected the federal government's student loan scheme, proposing non-refundable grants as a more suitable solution for Nigerian students.

Lazarus Maig-oro, the ASUU Bauchi Zonal Coordinator, emphasized this stance during a scholarship program at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi. He raised concerns about the potential psychological and financial burdens on students graduating with substantial loans, particularly those unable to meet stringent conditions.

Maig-oro revealed ASUU Bauchi Zone's plan to compile statistics on potential dropouts due to financial constraints, with hopes of urging the government to reconsider and replace loans with grants.

The coordinator also highlighted the challenging economic realities students face, stressing the need for collective action to address the funding crisis in universities.

ASUU Bauchi Zone is taking direct action by awarding scholarships to 19 indigent students this year, contributing to the ongoing efforts to alleviate financial hardships in higher education.