President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Students Loan Amendment bill into law during a brief ceremony held at the State House on Wednesday. The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister and Minister of State for Education Hannatu Musawa, Minister of State for Youth Ayodele Olawande, and the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, alongside other government officials and presidential aides.

Initially signed by President Tinubu in June 2023, the bill aims to provide financial assistance to Nigerian students pursuing higher education in tertiary institutions. Despite the earlier signing, the bill’s implementation encountered delays due to various challenges hindering its rollout.

Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the National Assembly members for their swift handling of the bill, emphasizing education’s critical role in combating poverty. He affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing education and ensuring access to quality education and skill development programs for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.

“We are determined to ensure that education is given the proper attention necessary for the country including skills development programmes. This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background is, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future.” President Tinubu remarked.

Reflecting on his personal experience and the challenges faced by Nigerian students, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of this legislation in providing opportunities for all citizens to pursue higher education without financial constraints.

The enactment of the National Students Loan Amendment bill followed thorough considerations by the National Assembly committees on tertiary institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance educational access and opportunities in Nigeria.