Nigeria, June 2 -- A political economist, Dr. Bello Babban-Umma, has expressed concern over the implementation of the Student Loan Act 2023, warning that the policy, although well-intentioned, may face sustainability and enforcement challenges if not properly reviewed.

Signed into law in 2023, the Student Loan Act provides interest-free loans to Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions. The policy was introduced as a measure to ease the financial burden on students and their families amid rising inflation and economic hardship.

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Baban-Umma said the student loan initiative is a welcome step but must be backed by sincerity, inclusivity, and a comprehensive execution strategy. "The Nigerian educational...