Government extends student loan scheme to all public universities

Prof. Nkandu Luo

Higher Education Minister Nkandu Luo has announced the extension of the student loan scheme to all public universities in the country.

Speaking at a media briefing, Professor Luo, however, stated that considering the increasing number of higher education institutions both public and private who must benefit from the student loan scheme, new beneficiaries will not be granted loans equivalent to their applications.

She explains that this means that all new beneficiaries will be granted a single disbursement of funds per semester or year as the higher education loans and scholarship board may determine.

Professor Luo has named the universities to receive support from the ministry as Nkwame Nkrumah University, Chalimbana, Mukuba, Kapasa Makasa, Mulungushi and Palabana.

She states that it has become necessary that available resources be spread to all public universities, and progressively as funds increase, extend to the other higher education institutions.

She says the loan shall prioritise tuition and accommodation fees which will be paid directly to the institution while the book and project allowances shall be paid directly to the students.

Professor Nkandu Luo has clarified that the loan shall not include meal allowance and that any amounts so granted as loan shall be recovered as prescribed by the enabling act.