The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has taken a firm stance against its exclusion from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) board, warning that student voices must be heard in decisions shaping the future of higher education financing.
In a strongly worded letter dated February 13, 2025, and addressed to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, and Board Chairman, Jim Ovia, NANS President Lucky Emonefe described the exclusion as unacceptable, insisting that students, as the direct beneficiaries of the fund, deserve representation.
“For decisions about student loans to be made without students at the table is both unfair and unreasonable,” the letter stated. “We will not allow our future to be decided behind closed doors.”
Beyond a demand, NANS framed its position as a necessity for transparency and accountability in the management of the student loan scheme.
The association warned that failure to grant student representation would result in nationwide demonstrations, beginning with a shutdown of the board’s meeting venue.
Education advocates have echoed similar concerns, arguing that student representation ensures policies are aligned with real needs.
As the debate unfolds, pressure mounts on NELFUND to acknowledge the role of students in shaping the loan system designed to support their academic aspirations.