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?

Frustrating right?


Trying to reach out to a brand and not getting a response for days has to count as one of the most frustrating moments!


It gets even worse when it involves an issue that requires urgent attention.


At SnapCash, we understand how frustrating and disappointing it could be especially when it involves money and that’s why we constantly find ways that allow you to communicate with us with ease via various mediums.


Everyone has a preferred contact method, and sometimes different problems have different ways they can be addressed. Here are 3 ways you can make inquiries/solve your problems with SnapCash:


## Contact us via email
At SnapCash, we make it our priority to be available to assist all of our users, including prospective clients. This is why you can always, and at any time, send an email to SnapCash if you have any inquiries or concerns that need to be addressed. In a matter of minutes or a few hours, you can get a reply to your inquiries and concerns.


## Chat with an SnapCash representative using our live chat feature
The world is miles ahead of Nigeria as regards technology. But SnapCash quickly adapts and that’s why the live chat feature has been made available for you. It connects you with one of our representatives right there on the website or even on the app. This way you don’t have to worry about your contact details being in the wrong hands.
With our live chat feature, a representative will be there to guide you through any issue you’re struggling with, by giving you suggestions and directions on what approach can quickly solve your specific issue. All on the website.


## Go through our frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There may be inquiries that you need to make that others have made before you. When situations like this happen, SnapCash takes a count of how many people have asked that particular question (phrased in different ways) and provides an answer for it which will then be made available on the website. These questions and answers are called FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions.


Most times, when you make inquiries through the live chat feature, you’ll be directed to the FAQs if it’s a question that has been answered. SnapCash has a wide selection of FAQs that you can go through to find an answer to your inquiries and a solution for any problem you may be stuck on. Here’s a look at SnapCash FAQs.


Reach out to us with your inquiries at hello@snapcash.ng and we’ll be sure to give you more tips.


3 ways you can make inquiries/solve your problems with SnapCash

The newly elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been making the news since his inauguration. From fuel subsidy removal to the electricity act, and now our latest law in place; THE STUDENT LOAN ACT.

This act was signed into law as an effort to make education accessible to students from all backgrounds who are at their tertiary level of education. The new student loan act offers up to N500,000 a year at an interest-free rate, as well as provides funds for all education-related issues, including textbooks, and research.
And since SnapCash is your one-stop for the best financial news, we’ve curated an all-you-need-to-know article on the new student loan act. You’re welcome!

Facts you should know about the student loan act We never want you to run on hearsay or “dem say dem say” and that’s why we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the facts of this new act. Shall we?

## Application criteria
You may already be wondering “What are the requirements, and how do I know I’m eligible?”. We got you!

The applicant must have gained admission into any Nigerian University, Polytechnic, College of education, or Vocational school established by the Federal Government or any state government: This means that the student loan act is only applicable to students studying in Nigeria. Sorry to our Diasporan readers… The applicant’s family must have a yearly income that does not exceed N500,000: For those whose parents or guardians earn about a million a year, they don’t qualify for the student loan. Please note that this means; the monthly income in your family must be about N42,000. Each intending applicant must have a minimum of two guarantors who must fall into one of the following categories: Civil servants of at least Level 12 in the service — this refers to a civil servant with grade level 12 and earns between N255,000 to #N700,000 monthly Lawyers with a minimum of 10 years of post-call experience — this refers to a lawyer of the federation with a minimum of 10 years of experience after being called to the bar. Judicial officers or Justices of the Peace — a local judicial official who is empowered chiefly to administer oaths, perform marriage ceremonies, certify documents, and in some states may have additional judicial powers (as to issue summonses). 

## Disqualification criteria
We’ve seen the eligibility criteria, now let’s take a look at the disqualification criteria.
Parental loan default: If the intending applicant’s parent has been found to have defaulted on a previous loan, the applicant is immediately disqualified. Applicant’s loan default: For an applicant who has taken out a previous loan and is found to have defaulted on the said loan, there is also an immediate disqualification. 

Criminal offenses: If an applicant is found to be convicted of a felony (any offense punishable by death or imprisonment of 3 years or more without previous conviction), be found to be involved in a drug case or has been/is involved with examination malpractice, they are automatically disqualified from participating in the student loan act. Repayment and penalties
This seems a tad bit unreal, doesn’t it? We’re all skeptical about how effective and helpful this new act will be to the average Nigerian youth
You may already be wondering how the student loan will be repaid and the associated penalties. Again, we’ve got you covered.

Students are required to begin repayment for the loan 2 years after their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program with a deduction of 10% from their monthly salary or total monthly profit (if they are self-employed). Self-employed individuals must submit relevant information and documentation such as business name, address, location, registration documents (if applicable) within 60 days to the committee. The chairman of the committee is to be notified of a job change within 30 days of working under new employment. Failure to pay back the student loan will result in a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of 2 years. This scheme is set to be managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of the federal government. 

The governor of the CBN shall set up a special committee and head this committee as the Chairman. He shall also appoint a committee secretary.
According to the new act, students applying for loans must apply to the chairman of the education Fund committee through the student affairs officer of their respective institutions upon satisfying the criteria above. Loan disbursements are made within 30 days of the application reaching the chairman of the committee.

## What's next
Now that you’re well informed of all the necessary details of the new student loan act. Will you be applying anytime soon? Are you eligible?
Tell us what you think in the comments!


Tinubu has approved loans for students — are you eligible?

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