Student Loan Policy Is a Crime - SDP Candidate, Adebayo

Student Loan Policy Is a Crime Against Nigerians – SDP Presidential Candidate, Adebayo
He advocates free education and criticises current government education policies
Adebayo outlines SDP vision ahead of 2027 elections and governance plans

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP for the 2027 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the Federal Government’s student loan policy as a crime against Nigerians, insisting that education should be free, compulsory, and of high quality.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Adebayo made the remarks in an interview, where he faulted Nigeria’s education system, saying it has been weakened by poor policy decisions and a deliberate lowering of academic standards.

He was particularly critical of the student loan scheme introduced by the Federal Government, describing it as both unconstitutional and unfair to young Nigerians.

When asked if he would continue the policy if elected president, Adebayo replied, “Student loans are a crime.”

Pressed further, he added, “Yes. It’s a crime against the constitution and against the people.”

He argued that education should remain free, noting that many current political leaders benefited from free education during their own academic journeys.

“Why should students borrow money for education if education is supposed to be free, compulsory, and qualitative? The National Assembly members didn’t take loans for their own education. They enjoyed free education,” he said.

According to him, failure to invest in education would weaken society and worsen insecurity by limiting opportunities for young Nigerians.

“Education should be free because if you don’t invest in your people, you destroy your society. You will turn scientists into taxi drivers. You destroy civilization, and insecurity grows because the people who should become innovators are abandoned,” he added.

Adebayo also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress APC of prioritising electoral victories over addressing key national challenges such as education, healthcare, jobs, and infrastructure.

He said the SDP would focus on what he called “kitchen table politics,” a governance model centred on the daily needs and survival of ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking on his emergence as SDP presidential candidate, Adebayo described it as a fresh opportunity for national renewal and better governance.

“It feels good, though challenging. It’s a new opportunity for the country and for the sovereign people of this country who need a good government and a good plan,” he said.

He added that the SDP is positioning itself as an ideological alternative to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that internal unity is necessary to challenge the incumbent government.

On internal party disputes, he declined to comment on ongoing legal issues involving party officials, saying it would be inappropriate as a lawyer to speak on matters before the court.

“I’m in a corner here because I’m a lawyer. Once you start with something being in court, especially someone who is at the risk of losing his liberty and facing a criminal trial, it is unethical for me to comment on it,” he said.

He, however, stressed the importance of due process and adherence to party rules, adding that disciplinary actions must follow constitutional provisions.

Student Loan Policy Is a Crime - SDP Candidate, Adebayo — Student Loan Policy Is a Crime – SDP Candidate, Adebayo

Adebayo also called on institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and the police to remain neutral in internal party matters and discharge their duties fairly.