Some months back, we broke down in bits all the nitty gritty details of the newly signed student loan act. We helped you fully understand just what the government had put into law and what it meant for Nigerian students. Today, we bring you an update as to when the official commencement of this act will take place.


## Here’s a brief recap on the student loan act
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act 2023 into law on Monday, June 12, which was a significant decision. He fulfilled his promise by starting a test student loan program. The program aims to help more people access education, regardless of their background.


The “Student Loan Act” aims to provide Nigerian students in college with interest-free loans. Additionally, the Act establishes an Education Loan Fund, designed to assist Nigerians in funding their higher education interests.
On June 14, 2023, the government promised to prepare for the student loan program to start between September and October 2023. Since the announcement, there has been no updates or progress on the scheme.


Of course, we know the government has been working tirelessly to see this bill come into play. Good things take time after all.


Many people may have expected the delay in commencement, but the recent tuition hikes at many higher institutions were unexpected. Students and parents from the affected higher institutions have expressed worry and anxiety as the combination of increased tuition costs and the postponed introduction of the loan program has created financial instability amongst many. Coupled with the many other hikes in various spheres of the Nation.


## Here comes the good news
Many Nigerians are skeptical about the bill’s implementation, given the government’s history of poor follow-through. This skepticism is understandable. President Tinubu announced that the government will start giving student loans to Nigerians in January 2024.


At a summit in Abuja, the President announced plans to expand the student loan program to help Nigerians, easing their difficulties and reaffirming his commitment to this goal.


David Adejo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, confirmed that the Nigerian government will begin offering student loans in the 2023/2024 school year. This announcement was made during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans.


However, he dismissed rumors that federal universities have increased fees following the enactment of the Students Loan Act. We beg to differ.
As we await more action and less talking from the Government, we keep our fingers crossed and hope the implementation is more effective than we expect.


Now, fellow Nigerians, the ball is in your court. Share your thoughts on the latest update, we’d love to know what you think about the student loan act. Do we just stick to fast loan apps for educational loans or consider the Government’s new initiative. Send us a message now at hello@snapcash.ng!.


What’s next for the newly adopted student loan act?

As you dey plan for money…na so money sef dey plan for you!


Have you ever been in a position where you’ve saved up a particular amount more times than you can count?


You save. Obinna needs money to buy a lecturer’s handout. You spend.


You save again. Mama falls sick. You spend.


You save AGAIN! Water from the flooded streets of Lagos knocks your car engine. You spend.


Frustrating right?


When it comes to loans… you may be tempted to run away…


This is your reassurance that GOOD lenders (like SnapCash) understand that LIFE HAPPENS to everyone and even when you plan to repay on the due date, an unplanned emergency could pop up and you hit a roadblock. If this happens to you, there’s no need to panic or abscond (you’re not a thief are you?!).


Take a deep breath and follow the steps below to make informed decisions that’ll get you out of financial muddy waters in no time…


## Contact the lender immediately
The first instinct most people have when they realize they are unable to pay back their loan on time is to panic, dread and hide. While this might be a natural response, it does more harm than good.


They sit, fret and wait for the lender to call and ask why they haven’t paid their debt or inform them of the seizure of their collateral.


This is what most people go through, but you are not most people and can avoid this. It’s quite simple, when you get into a tight situation that’ll deprive you of meeting the repayment date, it’s now time to make that ‘bound-to-be-uncomfortable’ but ‘needed’ CALL to the lender.


Explain your situation to them with sufficient evidence, so they don’t think you are trying to skip on your payment. Informing them of your struggles on or after the due date makes you seem like a fraud, so contacting the lender and keeping them informed shows a level of trustworthiness they might not have known existed. (Don’t blame us! We are used to super-stories from borrowers too).


## Ask for a grace period
The next thing you should do when you can’t make loan payments on the due date is to ask for an extension AKA GRACE PERIOD.


Now that you’ve contacted the lender and explained your situation, you can ask for a grace period as a means to smooth out any problem affecting loan payment.
Depending on their terms, lenders may grant a grace period of 0 to 30 days after the due date.


During this extended period, you will be free to work through your financial difficulties, and here’s something really interesting — when you resume debt payment you won’t be asked to pay a late fee. (See why honesty is the best policy!). The grace period also gives you a chance to restructure your loan with the lender and agree on terms that are fit for you and the lender.


## Restructure your loan terms
Restructuring the terms of your loan can take the form of reduced interest rate, extended repayment period or reducing the remaining balance. (Plenty of options available for you!)


It will give you some relief and make it easier for you to repay your debt. It could be temporary or permanent. Temporary restructuring is such that your terms will be adjusted for the period you are facing problems while permanent restructuring is such that your loan terms are adjusted and the adjustments are kept even after your problems have been solved.


## Budget and save towards clearing up debt
Once your loan has been restructured…
The panic dies down and you relax back into your any-how money routine.
No! Don’t do that.


Now would be the time to swiftly get your finances in check and pay back your loan. And you do that by strict budgeting, that’ll allow you to save up enough to clear up your debts within your grace period.


Remember that for the duration of your grace period any debt paid off will not attract a late fee.


And while it may entice you to look for get-rich-quick investments, you should not succumb to the temptation, as a high-risk investment is another means to splurge your money and end up in the financial trenches. AGAIN! (Suffer nor dey tire you?).


## Pay your debt
Well, this speaks for itself. Doesn’t it?
Once you’ve followed the above steps; contacting the lender, asking for a grace period, restructuring your loan terms and budgeting to save up, you can now pay your debt with ease.


The lender will thank you for it and might even sneak your name into the responsible borrowers’ list. Here’s a way to know how you can make that list.


A rule of thumb is to always clear up pending debts before your grace period elapses. It not only boosts your credibility but also your loan worthiness for the future.
…
As always, SnapCash will always get you out of sticky financial crises with our never-ending curated information just for your consumption!
We’re always happy and available to offer you expert advice and opinions…
Shoot us a message at hello@snapcash.ng for more clarification on what to do when you fall short on repayment!





What to do if you can’t repay your loan when due

Hey there Rockstar! Today we’ve simplified the SnapCash loan application process into 5 simple steps.

Come along let’s help you get your first loan:

## Set up your account
Visit the SnapCash website and follow the prompts to either download any of the apps and sign up or just sign up directly on the web app. Once you are signed up successfully, you also need to do the following as they are mandatory requirements to apply for a loan:

## Update your address and also add the details of your next of kin
Add a government-issued ID card such as a drivers’ license, international passport, etc. Add a valid and active debit card. We usually accept only Mastercard or Visa debit cards. Now you’re ready to apply for a loan with SnapCash.

## Apply for a loan
With the SnapCash app installed on your device (or you may be registered on the web app), it’s time to get your first loan.

Log on to your dashboard and click on the “Apply for a loan” icon.

Fill out the application form: You’ll be shown an application form, in which you’re required to fill in your relevant personal data. For example, name, age, email address, valid ID card, bank verification number etc.
Assess the form thoroughly and ensure you fill in the correct data.
Submit loan application form.
Complete the final verification process

Once you have submitted your loan request, it would be in pending status. You would then get an email from SnapCash stating that your documents have been received, however, you would need to speak with the SnapCash loan team to complete the final stage of verification. The number to call would be in the email sent by SnapCash. This final stage is necessary to help us curb the issue of identity theft or lending to scammers using the identity of innocent and unaware individuals.

Please note that leaving a voicemail or voice message does not count as a call to the SnapCash representative.

## Kindly wait for our feedback email
Once you’re done with the final stage i.e the phone call verification, look out for one final email with either an approval or denial of your loan request. This final email will only be sent to you if you have completed the phone call verification.

Kindly note that SnapCash operates on an algorithm-driven database and this means that after your credit profile is vetted, you’re matched to the loan option that is the best fit for you.

For further questions and assistance send us a message at hello@snapcash.ng!


A simple guide to the SnapCash loan application process

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What’s next for the newly adopted student loan act?

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