Afe Babalola Advocates Amendment of Student Loans Act, TETFund Law to Include Private Institutions
By: Emmanuel Ibitoye
Renowned legal luminary and education advocate, Afe Babalola, has called for significant amendments to the Student Loans Act and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) law in Nigeria.
In a comprehensive statement, Babalola highlighted the discriminatory practices against private tertiary institutions and their students, emphasizing the need for fair access to government support and funding.
Babalola, in a recent address, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in government support for tertiary education. He pointed out that private institutions in Nigeria outnumber federal and state institutions combined, indicating their substantial contribution to the educational landscape. Despite this, they are often excluded from crucial funding initiatives like TETFund.
“It is imperative that private institutions and their students are not sidelined in the allocation of government resources meant to bolster tertiary education in Nigeria,” Babalola remarked. “Fairness and equal opportunity should be the guiding principles in our educational policies.”
The legal luminary highlighted global practices, citing examples from the United States where private universities receive substantial federal funding through research grants, technology grants, and student financial aid programs. He argued that similar mechanisms should be implemented in Nigeria to ensure equitable access to funding for all tertiary institutions and students.
Babalola underscored the exceptional standards upheld by private institutions, stating, “The success of private universities in Nigeria underscores their pivotal role in the education sector. They deserve equitable access to funding and support mechanisms that align with international standards of educational development.”
In conclusion, Babalola called for a comprehensive review of existing legislation to rectify discriminatory practices and extend government support, including student loans, to private institutions and their students. He stressed that fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all tertiary institutions aligns with Nigeria’s goals of advancing education and empowering its citizens.
