President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of the student loan into law is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. It represents a beacon of hope for many students, providing them a chance to continue their education in the face of overwhelming financial challenges.
For students at Bayero University Kano (BUK) and other institutions across the country, this loan has been a lifeline. Without it, many dreams would have been shattered, academic careers derailed, and futures lost.
In BUK, we see firsthand the positive impact of this loan. Without this crucial support, it would have been over for countless students who had no means of paying their fees. For some, this loan is not just a financial cushion, but their last hope for staying in school.
However, the journey is far from smooth for everyone. As the deadline for exams approaches, we are witnessing a heartbreaking situation: students from Kaduna State facing unbearable financial constraints.
These students, who are eager to pursue their education and make something of their lives, are now facing the possibility of suspending their studies due to a lack of funds. They have tried everything within their power—applying for loans, seeking scholarships, and doing everything right—but some have been blocked by technicalities like issues with their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) or National Identification Numbers (NIN) during the application process.
The toll this crisis has taken on these students is immense. Every day, I receive calls from students desperate for solutions. They have already given up hope and are ready to suspend their academic journey. And this is happening at a time when exams are only three weeks away. These young people, who once dreamed of a better future through education, now feel trapped and abandoned.
This situation is not only tragic, but it’s also preventable. Kaduna State has a scholarship board that has the potential to rescue these students. However, time is running out, and urgent action is needed. We call on the Kaduna State Government and the Scholarship Board to step in immediately. These students cannot be left to fend for themselves in this hour of need.
Education is a fundamental right, and we cannot allow financial hardship to strip our youth of this opportunity. The state’s intervention is crucial to ensure that these students do not have to suspend their studies or worse, drop out entirely. As we approach the exam period, this is not just a call for financial assistance—it’s a call to save dreams, futures, and lives.
We urge the government, NGOs, philanthropists, and all well-meaning individuals to come to the rescue of these students. The clock is ticking, and if we do not act now, we may lose a generation of bright minds to the cruel grip of financial hardship.
Let’s ensure that no student in Kaduna State is left behind. The time to act is now.
Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal BUK Medicalscientist2016@gmail.com
