Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Vice Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, have called on the Federal Government to extend the soon-to-commence Student Loan Scheme to students of private universities. Speaking at the inauguration of the Asiwaju Onafowokan Building at Bells University’s College of Postgraduate Studies in Ota, both Obasanjo and Prof. Ojediran emphasized the importance of inclusivity in government initiatives, urging transparency and fairness in the implementation of the loan programme. Obasanjo, while advocating for the inclusion of private university students, expressed skepticism about the government’s capacity to execute the programme with complete transparency.

Prof. Ojediran highlighted the challenges faced by parents in ensuring their children’s education amidst the country’s economic situation, underscoring the need for support from government initiatives. He criticized the exclusion of private universities from accessing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Student Loan Scheme, asserting that such decisions are out of touch with societal realities and public expectations. The vice chancellor emphasized the vital role played by graduates of private universities in driving Nigeria’s economy and called for recognition of private institutions as partners in national development.

Prof. Ojediran urged the government to reconsider its policies and recognize private universities as valuable contributors to the education sector. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between private institutions and the government, stressing the need for equal opportunities for students regardless of their institution’s status. The call for inclusivity in government programmes reflects a broader push for equitable access to education and support for students across all sectors of tertiary education in Nigeria.