Nigerian student loan policy has sparked debate as Harvarde College provost rejects extension of funds to private institutions during media briefing in Abeokuta
Nigerian student loan policy has sparked emotional responses from key stakeholders as the Provost of Harvarde College of Science and Management Studies, Obada, Abeokuta, Dr Oluwatosin Adebayo, strongly opposed extending education loans to private institution students.
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Speaking during a media briefing and a facility tour on Wednesday, Adebayo insisted that only students in public tertiary institutions should benefit from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
He claimed the policy must reflect financial realities and socioeconomic priorities, particularly in a developing country like Nigeria.
According to Adebayo, most parents who send their children to private universities do so because they can afford the high tuition fees associated with those institutions.
Therefore, they should not be eligible for government-backed education loans meant to ease access to education for the financially disadvantaged.
“I won’t support those calling for the extension of NELFUND to students of private institutions,” he said. “This is because poor people won’t send their children to where the tuition is as much as N6 million, especially in these private universities. Those parents are well-to-do.”
Dr Adebayo clarified that while he supports equitable access to education, government funds should be channelled to those in actual need.
He proposed that the government could instead focus on supporting private institutions through infrastructural grants, similar to what is already in place for public tertiary schools under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
“However,” he continued, “the government can allow private institutions, like their government-owned counterparts, to benefit from TETFund for infrastructural development.”
He further expressed concern about the alleged corruption in the loan disbursement process and offered a practical solution.
Adebayo recommended that any approved funding be disbursed directly to verified students after institutional confirmation of enrolment and identity.
“I will also advise that, due to the alleged corruption involved in the disbursement of the student loan, the Federal Government should pay directly to each benefitting student once the institution has confirmed the authenticity of such students,” he added.
Addressing previous controversies surrounding the college, particularly regarding unapproved Nursing and Law programmes, the Provost blamed what he described as “bad elements” for the situation.
He noted that the institution has since halted those courses and has reapplied for their approval.
All current programmes at Harvarde College, Adebayo assured, are accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
He listed the accredited courses, which include Accountancy, Economics and Management, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Business Administration, Crime Management, Public Administration, and Banking and Finance.
The college, he said, is committed to improving the standard of education through consistent investment in human capital and infrastructure.
According to him, this approach ensures that students receive a high-quality learning experience that meets both national and international standards.
“Our mission is to build a generation of learners who are not only academically sound but also morally grounded and professionally prepared,” he said.
He urged policymakers to ensure that the spirit of the Nigerian student loan policy remains focused on inclusion, transparency, and true educational empowerment, especially for those who lack the means.
The debate surrounding eligibility for NELFUND has continued to ignite reactions across educational circles in Nigeria, as the government works to roll out a national framework for student financial support.
Stakeholders remain divided over whether the fund should be exclusive to public institutions or expanded to include students from private tertiary schools.
Dr Adebayo’s comments add yet another layer to the growing conversation, bringing attention to socioeconomic realities and funding integrity.
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His firm stance is expected to resonate with both critics and supporters of the current loan eligibility structure.
