The Senate has passed the Student Loan Access to Higher Education Act 2024, aiming to revolutionize access to tertiary education in Nigeria.
The resolution comes following meticulous consideration of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND report, presented by Chairman Senator Muntari Dandutse during a plenary session.
President Bola Tinubu’s transmission of the bill to the National Assembly last week set the stage for this crucial legislative move.
The Upper Legislative Chamber expedited the process by suspending pertinent sections of its standing rules and swiftly referred the bill to the Committee of the Whole for comprehensive deliberation.
After thorough debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed further scrutiny of the bill by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.
The committee is tasked with refining the legislation and reporting back within one week, underscoring the Senate’s commitment to swift and effective action.
At its core, the bill aims to democratize higher education by facilitating interest-free loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
This initiative is poised to uplift indigent Nigerians, ensuring broader access to quality education and fostering national development.