ASUU Criticizes Student Loans, Advocates for Increased Government Funding
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Bauchi Zone has strongly criticized the government’s insufficient funding for federal institutions, connecting it to a surge in student dropout rates.
The union emphasizes the negative impact of student loans on academic performance and psychological stress during an Indigent Scholarship Award ceremony at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi.
Concerns Over Student Loans:
Comrade Lazarus Maigoro, the ASUU Bauchi Zonal Coordinator, expressed concerns about the detrimental effects of student loans, highlighting the potential academic obstacles and psychological stress faced by students.
He questioned the sustainability of student loans, emphasizing the negative impact on students’ academic performance and the psychological burden of graduating with substantial debt.
ASUU’s Stance and Dedication:
Maigoro reiterated ASUU’s commitment to assisting financially struggling students.
He recalled instances where students had to drop out due to an inability to pay fees and other expenses.
ASUU aims to alleviate financial burdens through its scholarship program, ensuring that students can pursue their higher education aspirations without the added pressure of loans.
Challenges Faced by Students:
The coordinator highlighted the challenges faced by students in accessing loans, including stringent conditions that may result in dropout rates.
With the current increase in school fees across public universities in the country, many students are unable to resume their studies.
ASUU Bauchi Zone is actively collecting data on potential student dropouts, intending to advocate for a shift from loans to grants to support students financially.
ASUU’s Scholarly Assistance:
ASUU Bauchi Zone is taking proactive measures to support indigent students, awarding scholarships to 19 deserving individuals in 2023.
This initiative aims to counteract the economic hardships faced by students and parents, emphasizing ASUU’s ongoing commitment to addressing funding challenges in university education.
Conclusion:
The critique of student loans by ASUU Bauchi Zone underscores the pressing need for increased government funding in higher education.
The union’s scholarship initiatives reflect its dedication to ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students’ educational pursuits, emphasizing the importance of grants over loans in supporting students and preventing dropout rates.
