The spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has cautioned that the proposed education loan scheme by the federal government could discourage Nigerians from pursuing university education. He advised the Tinubu-led government to approach reforms in the education sector with caution, particularly highlighting the need for a thorough evaluation of the education loan scheme policy.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH in Abuja on Monday, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the potential “enormous impact” the policy could have, especially in the Northern region of Nigeria. Expressing concerns about the increased cost of university education, he stated, “If you raise the entire fees, a large number of students would not be able to cope.”
Baba-Ahmed urged President Bola Tinubu to consider the policy carefully, questioning the source of the loans and the authority given to banks in disbursing student loans. He also highlighted the potential challenges of loan repayment for students and the need for sufficient employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the NEF spokesman voiced apprehension about the cumulative effect of multiple policies that are already making life difficult for Nigerians, particularly those in the North. He urged the government to consider the impact of removing subsidies, rising electricity tariffs, and the potential burden placed on the citizenry.
Baba-Ahmed stressed the importance of effective communication and the need for the government to explain the reasons behind policy decisions to the Nigerian people. He warned that if people do not perceive positive changes under the Tinubu administration, there is a risk of losing public support.
In addition to addressing the education loan scheme, Baba-Ahmed called on the government to combat corruption as a means of restoring growth, security, and national unity. He emphasized that corruption lies at the root of insecurity in the country and suggested that removing corruption from government processes and the lives of Nigerians could solve the insecurity problem within a year or two.
The NEF spokesman also emphasized the need to address poverty and prioritize inclusiveness in governance, promoting equal representation and participation of all regions. He cautioned against policies that may further impoverish the poor and urged the government to pay close attention to the impact of liberal economic policies on vulnerable populations.
While commending President Tinubu for his decisive actions, including the suspension of the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as well as the removal of fuel subsidy, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the importance of considering the profound impact of policies on the people and avoiding the alienation of the masses.
Baba-Ahmed concluded by calling for informed policies and careful management of the economy to ensure that the administration neither radically impoverishes nor neglects the poor. He emphasized the need for effective communication and collaboration within the government to address the consequences of policy decisions.
