The Botswana government, under the leadership of President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi, has taken strides to support its university students by offering a monthly allowance of $154, aiming to ensure quality education.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Chief Bola Tinubu’s government continued to delay the implementation of the student loan scheme.
Recall that Parallel Facts reported that Akintunde Sawyer, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), disclosed in an interview with AriseTV on March 12, that the scheduled commencement of the student loan scheme had been postponed indefinitely due to reasons.
Despite Tinubu signing a bill in June 2023 to establish the Students Loan Fund (SLF), the scheme, originally set to begin on March 14, has faced successive delays.
The SLF, proposed by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, aimed to provide interest-free loans to Nigerians pursuing higher education. Plans initially indicated a start between September and October 2023. However, the launch remains delayed as Tinubu’s government considers expansion plans to incorporate additional features, such as vocational studies.
Despite assurances from Tinubu to leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during a visit to the State House, the scheme’s implementation remains pending.
However, reports have disclosed that in Botswana, the government provides free healthcare and ensures citizens’ safety to the extent that the President can walk around without security.
Additionally, citizens can apply for free land, and grants are given to elderly and disabled individuals, reflecting the country’s commitment to social welfare.