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Student Loan: FG Finalises Repayment Plans Ahead Feb 21 Launch

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Ahead of the official launch of the Student Loan Scheme on February 21, 2024, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund said it is finalising repayment modalities.

Although it confirmed that the 10 per cent direct deduction from the beneficiaries’ salaries still stands, applicants can pay higher percentages or 100 per cent upfront if they choose.

However, persons confirmed to be dead, terminally ill, and incapable of earning a living through work will be granted waivers, a source close to the board’s activities told The PUNCH.

“First and foremost, the modality for loan recovery will be done by the employers, which is what we are putting in place at the moment. The loan is N500,000 per year. So, in four years of schooling, that adds up to N2m. And it is interest-free, which means you are not paying more.

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“You will pay the baseline 10 per cent. But if you so wish, you can ask your employer to increase your recuperation rate.

“If you don’t want to be encumbered by any debt, you can give a standing order that you want your employer to take away 15 or 20 per cent of your salary every month, or you can choose to clear it up all at once. If you do your business and you can make enough money, you can clear it up,” the source disclosed.

Asked if the rates would be prorated according to the remuneration package of beneficiaries, the source replied, “Everyone will pay a flat rate.”

On Wednesday, February 7, the Executive Secretary of NELFund, Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, confirmed to our correspondent that the much-awaited scheme would go live on February 21, when President Bola Tinubu launches it at the State House, Abuja.

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“Yes, it is confirmed. It is confirmed. It will be launched on February 21,” Sawyerr confirmed to our correspondent exclusively.

On June 12, 2023, President Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The move was in “fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which is expected to handle all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

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The source further explained that beneficiaries will get a two-year “grace period” after completing the one-year National Youth Service.

“The moment they (beneficiaries) finish NYSC, they have two years of grace, almost like a moratorium, after which they will commence repayment.

“So, the idea is we are hoping a lot of them will get jobs. And those who don’t get jobs will run their businesses. That is why, in the beginning, when you apply for a loan, you must submit your National Identity Number and Bank Verification Number.

“If you are in private business, you will tell the loan board how you want to repay, either in the 10 per cent model or any other percentage you want,” the source added.

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However, beneficiaries who cannot find employment within two years will periodically report their employment status to the board.

Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, explained the delay, saying, “Don’t forget, the last time they met the President, he asked them to expand their mandate to include those who want to learn vocational skills. That could be the reason why the whole thing was delayed because they had to increase the scope.”

Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Lucky Emonefe, has expressed concern over their (NANS) non-involvement in the implementation of the loan disbursement.

In an interview with one of our correspondents, Emonefe said, “On the student loan, we have some worries. Fine, the president has good intentions but I don’t think those given the responsibility to do it are serious.

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“In the first place, when they wanted to sign these student loans, we recalled that NANS was invited by Mr President but as I speak now, they want to kick-start it but we have not been informed. We have not seen the guidelines on how students can access it.

“If they include private schools, while the students at UNIBEN pay N120,000 and those at Idahosa University pay N1m, it may lead to a situation where UNIBEN will increase their school fees. So, this is our worry.”

Student Loan: FG Finalises Repayment Plans Ahead Feb 21 Launch

Ahead of the official launch of the Student Loan Scheme on February 21, 2024, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund said it is finalising repayment modalities.

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Although it confirmed that the 10 per cent direct deduction from the beneficiaries’ salaries still stands, applicants can pay higher percentages or 100 per cent upfront if they choose.

However, persons confirmed to be dead, terminally ill, and incapable of earning a living through work will be granted waivers, a source close to the board’s activities told The PUNCH.

“First and foremost, the modality for loan recovery will be done by the employers, which is what we are putting in place at the moment. The loan is N500,000 per year. So, in four years of schooling, that adds up to N2m. And it is interest-free, which means you are not paying more.

“You will pay the baseline 10 per cent. But if you so wish, you can ask your employer to increase your recuperation rate.

Advertisement

“If you don’t want to be encumbered by any debt, you can give a standing order that you want your employer to take away 15 or 20 per cent of your salary every month, or you can choose to clear it up all at once. If you do your business and you can make enough money, you can clear it up,” the source disclosed.

Asked if the rates would be prorated according to the remuneration package of beneficiaries, the source replied, “Everyone will pay a flat rate.”

On Wednesday, February 7, the Executive Secretary of NELFund, Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, confirmed to our correspondent that the much-awaited scheme would go live on February 21, when President Bola Tinubu launches it at the State House, Abuja.

“Yes, it is confirmed. It is confirmed. It will be launched on February 21,” Sawyerr confirmed to our correspondent exclusively.

Advertisement

On June 12, 2023, President Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The move was in “fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which is expected to handle all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

ADVERTISEMENT
The source further explained that beneficiaries will get a two-year “grace period” after completing the one-year National Youth Service.

Advertisement

“The moment they (beneficiaries) finish NYSC, they have two years of grace, almost like a moratorium, after which they will commence repayment.

“So, the idea is we are hoping a lot of them will get jobs. And those who don’t get jobs will run their businesses. That is why, in the beginning, when you apply for a loan, you must submit your National Identity Number and Bank Verification Number.

“If you are in private business, you will tell the loan board how you want to repay, either in the 10 per cent model or any other percentage you want,” the source added.

However, beneficiaries who cannot find employment within two years will periodically report their employment status to the board.

Advertisement

Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, explained the delay, saying, “Don’t forget, the last time they met the President, he asked them to expand their mandate to include those who want to learn vocational skills. That could be the reason why the whole thing was delayed because they had to increase the scope.”

Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Lucky Emonefe, has expressed concern over their (NANS) non-involvement in the implementation of the loan disbursement.

In an interview with one of our correspondents, Emonefe said, “On the student loan, we have some worries. Fine, the president has good intentions but I don’t think those given the responsibility to do it are serious.

“In the first place, when they wanted to sign these student loans, we recalled that NANS was invited by Mr President but as I speak now, they want to kick-start it but we have not been informed. We have not seen the guidelines on how students can access it.

Advertisement

“If they include private schools, while the students at UNIBEN pay N120,000 and those at Idahosa University pay N1m, it may lead to a situation where UNIBEN will increase their school fees. So, this is our worry.”

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SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 22 November 2024

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The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.

NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.

How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.

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Simon Ekpa to Face Extradition, DHQ Declares

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The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has declared that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will be extradited to the country to face charges against him.

Speaking on the arrest of Ekpa in a short press statement made available to journalisrs, the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, was pleased with Ekpa’s trial.
Gusau wrote: “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”

Recall that the Finland district court in Lahti had ordered the remand of Simon Ekpa on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Ekpa was accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.

The court alleged that the offences dated back to August 23, 2021. Finland authorities have also investigated Ekpa in the past for alleged financial crimes, including the collection of funds through questionable means.

The head of the investigation, crime commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police, stated, “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to vi3lence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria. The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

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Oil theft: DHQ rubbishes Tompolo’s allegation against Navy

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Defence Headquarters, Thursday, described as ‘laughable’, allegation by Chairman, Tantitta Security Services, Mr Government Ekpemuopolo, alias Tompolo, that the Nigerian Navy was sabotaging the fight against crude oil theft.

Noting that it cannot be seen to be joining issues with Tompolo, the DHQ, said the work of the Navy and its determined efforts to rid the Niger Delta of economic saboteurs and crude oil thieves which is reflecting on the nation’s crude production, was there for everybody to see.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this while commenting on Tompolo’s allegation made on Monday.

He said: “What I will say is that such allegation is just laughable. We will not join issues with anybody. What we seek is cooperation not conflict. We don’t want all these back and forth. We don’t want all this blackmail. What we want is working to ensure increased production of crude oil.

“The efforts of our Navy is very obvious. It is there for everybody to see and we are seeing the increase in crude oil production. We are ready to work in collaboration with stakeholders to continue to increase oil production. That is what we want.”

Recall that Tompolo had on Monday accused Navy personnel of being a clog in Tantitta’s fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, calling on Nigerians to join hands in the battle to save the country’s economy.

Also, Major General Buba disclosed that those (IPOB/ESN) members responsible for the killing of three soldiers at a checkpoint in Abia State would be tracked down and made to pay the price for their murderous act.

Urging innocent citizens of the area not to panic, he said: “Our troops were attacked on November 13, and we recorded three casualties in the South East. To those expressing fear that troops will come and start killing everybody, this is not true.

“We are a professional force with rules of engagement. We will not go about killing people, but there will be consequences for those responsible for the attack. Our target will be against the terrorists and we will get them and I will give you the good news.”

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