The Nigerian community in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom is asking for students studying abroad to be included in the student loan program.
In 2023, the National Assembly passed the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 13, 2023.
The program will provide interest-free loans to students in Nigerian higher education institutions.
However, Tinubu is expected to launch the program on March 14, 2023.
During a meeting with the acting Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Cyprian Heen, Tunmise Ajiboye, representing the community members, urged for the inclusion of students studying abroad in the government's loan program.
Ajiboye stated that including students abroad in the loan program would help improve access to higher education for Nigerians studying overseas.
Ajiboye also called on the government to help students with exchange rates and foreign exchange, so they can access favorable rates and manage their financial needs.
The statement from Ajiboye emphasized the collective demand for support and recognition from the Nigerian government for Nigerians living in the United Kingdom.
The community united to request the Nigerian government to consider diaspora voting, international passport renewal delivery by post in Nigeria and the diaspora, support for students in the exchange rate and foreign exchange, and the inclusion of Nigerians studying abroad in the proposed student loan program of the federal government.
Finally, they asked for a platform for Nigerians living abroad who want their children to maintain Nigeria's state of origin.
Ajiboye urged the FG to take Nigerians in the diaspora into account when formulating policies.
He pointed out that they represent the aspirations and potential of their nation as ambassadors of their country.
It is crucial for the Nigerian government to always consider Nigerians in the diaspora when creating, planning, and executing policies, for a productive sense of belonging and pace of development.
Members of the Nigerian community in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom have called for the inclusion of students studying abroad in the student loan scheme. The National Assembly enacted the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act in 2023 and was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 13, 2023. The program will offer […]
