The student loan program is set to commence in January, as announced by President Tinubu for the 2024 Budget
President Bola Tinubu provided assurance that the initiation of the student loan program is scheduled for January 2024.
This announcement was made as he presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
The commitment to commence the student loan initiative reflects the government’s dedication to supporting educational pursuits and facilitating financial assistance for students.
President Tinubu, during the presentation of the N27.5 trillion Appropriation Bill titled “Budget of Renewed Hope,” highlighted its focus on achieving economic growth that generates substantial employment.
He emphasized that the budget aims to address longstanding challenges within the education sector, with the implementation of the student loan program scheduled to commence in January.
The presentation of the budget commenced at 11:40 a.m., with President Tinubu assuring that once passed, the government would promptly initiate implementation starting from January 1, 2024.
The commitment to the student loan initiative reflects a strategic approach to addressing educational concerns and promoting accessible financial support for students.
It’s worth noting that prior to President Tinubu’s arrival at the National Assembly complex, there was a notable presence of federal lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, signaling heightened anticipation and interest in the budget presentation.
Senators deviate from established protocol
Prior to the joint session for President Tinubu’s budget presentation, Senators defied customary procedures by attending the plenary of the House of Representatives.
Traditionally, parliamentary rules dictate that Senators should transition to the House of Representatives chamber for the joint session collectively, not individually.
In an unusual departure from these norms, some Senators mistakenly proceeded to the House of Representatives chamber ahead of the joint session, leading to a state of confusion among the members of the House of Representatives during their ongoing session.
The incident underscored a deviation from the customary order of proceedings.
Realizing their error, Senators, including senior figures like Aliyu Wammako (APC Sokoto North), swiftly left the chamber and rushed to join their fellow Senators.
However, as they hurried back, the Senate had already suspended its plenary for the joint session. Consequently, they joined their colleagues to return to the House Chamber.
The Senators’ mistake stemmed from a lack of extensive familiarity with legislative practices and procedures for joint sittings.
This lapse might be attributed to the frequent turnover of new lawmakers every four years, leading to a potential knowledge gap in parliamentary protocols.
This incident highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of legislative customs to avoid such procedural missteps during joint sessions.