Gov't Speaks Out On Delayed Students' Scheme

Gov’t has reechoed the need for massive sensitization of students eying the soon to be rolled out Students Loan scheme, as a way of avoiding possible problems in the future. Since the scheme was announced, there have been choruses of disproval and numerous critiques of such a government program being established on a profit-making basis.

The fund which will cover only students’ tuition and functional fees will attract an interest soon to be determined by the relevant board and approved by the education ministry.Information minister, Rose Namayanja highlighted in a statement yesterday, the importance of enlightening prospective beneficiaries before the scheme is officially rolled out.

The sensitization would be on financial implications to taking a loan, and the key beneficiary’s obligations.she added that the entire process would be carefully  considerate of the tenets of fairness, transparency, integrity and open communication. Currently, the scheme is projected to benefit 1,000 students pursuing science subjects in public and private universities.”Each of these will be given sh 4million for tuition and functional fees and only a specific amount may be given to the students to facilitate their accommodation, meals, transport, and others,”.However, this would be put in place in the future depending on the availability of resources.