Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has strongly criticized the Tinubu administration’s student loan initiative, calling it a “primitive idea” that fails to address the real challenges faced by Nigerian graduates.
In a recent statement, Sowore argued that offering loans to students who struggle to secure employment after graduation is an inadequate solution to the country’s education and employment crisis. He emphasized that his party had originally proposed grants rather than loans, ensuring that students could focus on their education without the burden of debt.
Sowore further accused the government of repurposing his ideas without fully understanding their intent. He pointed out that the administration had turned his proposed N100,000 per semester grant into a loan scheme, which he believes will only deepen financial struggles for young Nigerians.
The activist also highlighted concerns about the broader economic policies of the Tinubu government, stating that the ruling class continues to prioritize short-term solutions over meaningful reforms. He urged Nigerians to demand policies that genuinely support students and graduates rather than placing them in cycles of debt.