NGO Lauds Nigerian Government’s Student Loan Initiative

A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Positive Change Trailblazer Initiative (PCTI), has lauded the introduction of student loan by the Nigerian Government.

It described it as the right step to help the government have a real data of graduating students and fresh graduates.

The PCTI explained that the data would help the government make necessary plans for graduates who enjoyed the loan through creation of jobs that would help them in repaying the loan, after graduation.

The founder of PCTI, Akeem Aderinto, said this during a lecture to commemorate the 64th independence anniversary of the country, with the theme, “Nigeria at 64: The Need for Deeper Reflection and Orientation Shift”, held at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

Aderinto called for a change of mindset, deeper reflection and complete shift of orientation, saying “having such will go a long way in solving the myriads of challenges facing Nigeria.”

He expressed concern at the prevailing economic situation cum political injustice in the country, noting that a shift in orientation will make the citizens rate, accept and appreciate locally-made items far above foreign and imported cultures, which he said keeps enslaving the people.

In his presentation, the Guest Lecturer, a Professor of Global Law, University of Derby, Hakeem Yussuf, noted that Nigeria’s transitional justice approach has been criticised for prioritising the preservation of colonial era power structures, thereby favouring the interest of the local elites over those of victims of human rights violations.

Yussuf said “the phenomenon is rooted in the legacy of colonialism, which has significantly impacted the country’s governance, rule of law and building processes, leaving indelible marks in Nigeria’s socio-political and economic landscape.”

He stated: “The Institutional legacy of colonial style governance, adopted and adapted by the local elites, has perpetrated impunity and limited transitional justice efforts. The result is a governance that resists structural changes necessary for redress and institutional reforms.”

“Several factors hinder transitional justice in Nigeria. The power dynamic at play, with the local elites’ grip on power and their reluctance to relinquish privileges pose significant challenges. Transitional Justice can contribute to state building in post-colonial era by addressing colonial legacies, promoting accountability, and fostering inclusive governance,” Yussuf proffered.

He said that by confronting historical injustice and empowering marginalised communities, Nigeria can create a more sustainable foundation for peace and development, and move towards a just and equitable future where the rights of all citizens are respected and protected.

Also delivering a lecture at the event, a professor of Forestry Extension and Rural Learning, University of Ibadan, Ismail Azeez, stressed the need for a change of mindset for the nation to move forward, noting that despite the huge natural resources that abound in the country, the nation is still backward economically.

Azeez said: “If truly we want a change, we should start thinking about the leadership. The kind of politics that we are playing in the country will get us nowhere if we don’t change our orientation.”

“If we can show this change to the younger generation, I believe they will accept this change. But if we can’t convince them that there is light at the end of the tunnel for them, there’s no amount of orientation for them, it wouldn’t hold water,” Professor Azeez added.

Mercy Chukwudiebere