THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the federal government to intervene and save its members, following plans by some tertiary institutions to increase tuition fees.
This is contained in a statement by the association’s Senate President, Mr Akinteye Afeez, issued to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
Afeez expressed displeasure with recent proposals for tuition fee increase, notably from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA).
“It is disheartening and worrisome that despite the Federal Government’s explicit instructions against tuition fee hikes, certain vice chancellors and heads of institutions seem poised to defy the directive. This we find barbaric and therefore call on the Federal Government to call erring institutions to order by demanding immediate intervention in the looming crisis surrounding such fee increment,” he said.
The union leader said that if the institutions persisted in their disregard for government’s stance, NANS would mobilise Nigerian students nationwide, to stage a protest, until its demands were met.
“We also want to emphasise that the implementation of the new budget for education is closely monitored by NANS and any attempt to burden students with additional financial strain will be met with fierce resistance. Education is a right, not a privilege and we will not tolerate any infringement upon the accessibility of quality education for the Nigerian student,” Afeez said.
He said that the negative effects of tuition fee increments were far-reaching and had severe implications for the nation’s future.
“As fees skyrocket, many students, burdened by financial strain, will be forced to abandon their education. This tragic consequence will not only deprive countless individuals of their right to learn, but will also exacerbate unemployment rates and drive some into criminal activities, as a desperate means of survival.
“The proposed tuition fee increments are not only unacceptable, but also an affront to the aspirations of countless students striving to contribute meaningfully to the development of our great nation. Therefore, to forestall the negative impact/ consequences on the country at large, we call on the Federal Government to swiftly intervene, ensuring that these institutions align with the government’s commitment to affordable and quality education for all,” he stated.
Ugochi Olivia Ubah is an Educator and a Writer
