Awolowo, Jakande gave us free education, never saw it as achievement — Laide Olabanji
Nollywood actor Laide Olabanji has criticized the Nigerian government’s student loan scheme, asserting that previous leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Lateef Jakande, provided free education without framing it as a significant achievement.
In a video posted on social media, Olabanji addressed the current state of education in Nigeria, arguing that the student loan policy unfairly places financial burdens on students seeking higher education. He emphasized the contrast between this policy and the free education initiatives implemented by Awolowo and Jakande, questioning why students should incur debts to access education.
“Awolowo and Lateef Jakande provided us with free education without considering it an achievement. Now, you’ve introduced a student loan scheme and regard it as a success,” Olabanji said.
His comments arrive amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the federal government’s student loan program, which aims to offer financial assistance to students. Olabanji’s remarks have generated significant online engagement, particularly pertaining to the affordability of tertiary education and whether student loans effectively address the challenges faced by students and their families.
