Modupeoluwa Olalere
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) organised a peaceful protest on the Lagos-Ibadan Highway on Monday, May 5, 2025. That was the day of the demonstration.
They aimed to express resentment at students’ loan application difficulties using the Federal Government-managed Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The demonstration was calm and increased awareness of the issues students throughout Nigeria deal with, even though it momentarily slowed down traffic.
The protestors were worried by the lack of transparency in how student loans were distributed, the growing expense of tuition, and the poor facilities in universities throughout the nation. Though there is a government-backed loan program meant to help lower the financial load of higher education, many students have reported feeling neglected and enduring financial hardship resulting from these problems.
The students who took part in the demonstrations mentioned the lack of transparency and accountability in the process of disbursing student loans as one of the most critical issues. Many students reported that they had submitted their applications for the loan; nevertheless, they did not receive any feedback or financing once their applications had been submitted.
A NANS spokesperson during the protest said, “We demand transparency in the management of TETFund and fair access to student loans for all eligible students. It is unacceptable that many students are left in the dark about the status of their applications.”
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund is meant to help financially needy students. Many candidates still find the selection criteria and the distribution schedule unclear. Suspicions of favoritism, corruption, and mismanagement resulting from this opacity have eliminated many students without reason. Some claim that just a small number of people gain from the loans.
The rising tuition in Nigerian colleges and polytechnics is increasing annoyance. Students and their families are currently under a significant financial strain because numerous colleges have increased tuition over the few years due to inflation and decreased government assistance.
A student leader at the protest remarked, “The cost of tuition is going up every year, but the student loan scheme has not expanded to meet this demand. Many of us are forced to drop out or take on dangerous loans with high interest rates from private lenders.”
Many colleges suffer from packed lecture halls, antiquated equipment, and inadequate library resources, further aggravating bad classroom learning conditions. A NANS official said, “It is not just about money. The government must also invest in improving the quality of education by upgrading facilities and providing better learning environments. Without this, the student loan scheme alone cannot solve the problems we face.”
Bureaucratic delays in loan application processing further impede students’ access to money. Usually complex, the application process calls for several months of documentation and approvals. One student shared, “I applied for the loan six months ago, but I have not heard anything since. The process is slow and frustrating. We need a system that is efficient and responsive.”
At last, the restricted resources for the student loan program cause many worthy candidates to be omitted. The program’s budget has not kept up with the rising student count looking for financial aid. A university lecturer noted, “The government must increase the funding for student loans to accommodate the growing number of students. Otherwise, the scheme will continue to leave many behind.”
To effectively handle these difficulties, one needs to utilise a range of ways. In operating the student loan program, the federal government must prioritise transparency and accountability. Standards that are publicly accessible and unequivocal about loan eligibility and distribution should be established. Creating a dedicated online platform for students to monitor their application status would mitigate uncertainty and promote trust.
It would be helpful to close the confidence gap between residents and the government if the loan program were subjected to regular audits by organisations that are not bias, and the findings would be published for public scrutiny. This would also ensure that the monies are distributed to the people who are supposed to receive them.
The loan application process has to be developed forward. Using an entirely digital platform that would let students submit their applications online, upload documentation, and get quick updates would help make the system more easily accessible and efficient. Creating help desks or call centers could also reduce delays resulting from bureaucratic processes, benefiting students with their application process.
Student loan funding must be increased. As college costs rise, the government must increase program funding. Including more students, especially private school pupils, could reduce financial hurdles.
Furthermore, it is crucial to enhance the facilities that schools employ. The government should spend money on new labs, libraries, classrooms, and other buildings to raise the general education degree. A NANS official emphasized, “Better facilities will improve learning and justify the government’s financial support.”
Finally, constant communication between the government and student delegates, such as NANS, is vital. Policymakers should routinely meet with students to learn about their difficulties and incorporate their comments into the design and execution of programs. “We want to be part of the solution,” a NANS leader said. Our voices must be heard in decisions that affect our education and future.”
Nigerian students’ nonviolent demonstration on May 5, 2025, attracted public awareness of the obstacles they encountered in obtaining the Federal Government’s student loan program. The demonstration highlighted the degree of student annoyance and readiness to participate amicably and pursue communication.
The Ogun State Police Command managed the demonstration and verified that the peaceful protest was settled via dialogue. Lanre Ogunlowo, the Commissioner of Police, visited the students and reassured them that their worries would be shared with the pertinent authorities. After that, the students decided to call off the demonstration and follow organised advocacy routes.
As a result of this tragedy, the government needed to respond promptly and forthrightly. Students and members of the general public will be paying close attention to whether the government takes any concrete action to reform the student loan program, improve the infrastructure that supports education, and address the rising tuition prices.
Many Nigerian students anticipate that these changes will increase higher education access and affordability. Without such reforms, the protest’s financial and educational obstacles could impede many young Nigerians’ scholastic advancement and prospects. The demonstration has also spurred discussions among legislators, civil society organizations, and educational players. Many analysts have urged thoroughly revising the student loan program to suit the present reality better. One education analyst noted, “The student loan program must evolve to meet the needs of today’s students. This includes not only financial support but also ensuring that funds are disbursed fairly and efficiently.”
Furthermore, some companies and foreign partners consider working with the government to improve the several possibilities for student financing.
Students may find that these collaborations, in addition to providing alternative funds, make it easier to devise inventive solutions for repaying their debt.
Students create forums and seminars to educate their peers on the need for financial understanding and wise borrowing. These programs seek to empower students with the tools they need to make sensible decisions regarding loans and personal money, therefore reducing the likelihood of debt traps.
The demonstration on the Lagos-Ibadan Highway could be merely one chapter in a larger movement demanding better Nigerian educational support structures. As the government reviews its policies, students’ voices continue to be a great tool pushing change.
