00:00What happens when a student applies for Nelfond without telling their parents?
00:04That question is at the center of a fresh debate over Nigeria's student loan scheme.
00:10The controversy followed a comment by Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele,
00:15who said some parents may be unaware that their children are benefiting from Nelfond.
00:19A parent reportedly said none of his three children are benefited from the scheme.
00:25Nelfond provides eligible students with funding for institutional fees
00:29as well as upkeep allowances, helping them miss the cost of higher education.
00:35While some have argued for parental consent,
00:38student representatives have opposed making it mandatory,
00:42saying students should be able to assess the scheme independently.
00:46The emerging position is that parents could instead be notified
00:50while Nelfond strengthens its verification process.
00:53So, should parental consent be required or is notification enough?
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