Cleric Backs Tinubu’s Student Loan Scheme, Warns Against Politicization
Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, has urged the Federal Government to shield President Bola Tinubu’s student loan scheme from political interference, warning that misuse could undermine its intended benefits.
Speaking in Abeokuta during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Achudume described the initiative as a bold step toward improving access to education but cautioned that past government programmes had often failed to reach intended beneficiaries.
“Too often, funds earmarked for empowerment, whether for market women or young people, get diverted or politicised,” he said in a statement released by the church’s media department on Wednesday. “The student loan scheme must not suffer the same fate.”
The cleric lamented that, despite Nigeria’s vast resources, ordinary citizens still endure poor infrastructure and daily hardship.
He contrasted the country’s struggles with the success of Nigerians abroad in fields such as medicine, technology, and education.
“At 65, Nigeria stands as a nation of immense potential, yet the dividends of freedom seem elusive for many,
“You find Nigerians excelling abroad, but back home we grapple with leadership gaps holding us back.” Achudume noted.
He also condemned the prevalence of vote-buying, saying citizens deserve more than “food items and petty gifts” during elections.
Achudume called for transformative leadership rooted in empathy and practical action.
“Nigeria must create environments for business growth, innovation, and intellectual pursuits.
Leadership that truly feels the pulse of ordinary Nigerians is crucial if we are to translate our global excellence into domestic progress,” he added.
