The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) Students’ Wing has criticized recent government policies affecting education, particularly the proposed Tax Reform Bill and the implementation of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The group described the Tax Reform Bill as a threat to Nigeria’s educational sector, particularly in the North, warning that it could undermine critical institutions like TETFUND and lead to the privatization of public tertiary institutions.

The statement was made by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Soro, North East Zonal Coordinator of the CNG Students’ Wing, during a press briefing in Bauchi.

Related Post: Bauchi: Over 200 Less Privileged Benefit from First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative

Nigerians urged to always exercise their civic responsibility by voting the right people during election period

He stated that the bill’s provisions, including diminishing funding for TETFUND and shifting focus to loans, would burden students with unsustainable debt while increasing tuition fees, making higher education inaccessible for many.

The group also noted inequities in NELFUND’s disbursement, pointing out that only 96 northern institutions out of 234 nationwide were covered in the first phase, with many still awaiting funds.

The coalition raised concerns over delays in refunds of tuition fees and inconsistencies in loan amounts, which they argue are causing undue pressure on students.

Comrade Ibrahim Soro, also accused some institutions of exploiting the loan scheme to justify tuition hikes, warning that such actions would worsen dropout rates and create additional barriers for students in the region.

The Zonal Coordinator therefore urged the government to address these issues to ensure equitable access to education for all Nigerian students.

CNG Students’ Wing Decries Tax Reform Bill, Education Loan Inequities as Threats to Northern Nigeria’s Tertiary Educatio