Suleiman urges FG to include private varsities in student loan

The Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, has said the best birthday gift for the Founder of MIVA Open University, Sim Shagaya would be for the Federal Government to expand the Student Loan scheme to include private universities.

He said the move would not only promote equal access to education funding but also bridge the gap between public and private universities.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the 50th birthday colloquium of the Founder of MIVA Open University, he described the celebrant as a visionary leader who has made significant contributions to education in Nigeria.

The keynote speaker, who is also a member of the Board of MIVA Open University, said: “What I hope will be the true birthday gift for Sim and for us at MIVA, is for the government to extend the Educational Loan Scheme to private universities”.

According to him, expanding the Student Loan scheme to private universities would bridge the gap in education funding, enabling more students to access quality education, regardless of their financial background.

He underscored the importance of utilizing technology to increase access to education in Nigeria, highlighting its potential to address the country’s educational challenges.

He stressed that education must be accessible and affordable to have a meaningful impact.

Suleiman emphasized that education is crucial for Nigeria’s development, particularly tertiary education that prepares students for the workforce.

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The bank CEO pointed out that Nigerian universities face significant challenges, including inadequate physical infrastructure and a shortage of academic staff, ultimately affecting the quality of education.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, MIVA Open University, Prof. Tayo Arulogun lauded the celebrant, expressing gratitude for his vision and commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to Nigerians.

Arulogun highlighted the founder’s tireless efforts in establishing and growing institution, which has enabled the institution to become a leading provider of online education in Nigeria.

He praised the founder’s leadership and dedication to promoting educational excellence, noting that his passion for education has made a significant impact on the lives of countless students who have benefited from the university’s programmes.

Responding, Shagaya reflected on the institution’s growth, noting that it began with 500 students and has since expanded to a population of 10,000.

He expressed ambitious plans for the university, aiming to reach a student population of 100,000 by 2027 and potentially 1 million shortly.