The National Association of Nigerian Students and rights activists are urging both the federal and state governments to promptly address the recent outcry against tuition fee increases at federal and state universities in Nigeria.
The surge in tuition fees came in response to the removal of fuel subsidies by the Federal Government, leading to an upsurge in the overall cost of living.
Several public tertiary institutions, including the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Tai Solarin University of Education, University of Jos, and Lagos State University, implemented the fee hikes.
The move has not been without resistance, as stakeholders expressed their dissatisfaction through protests and various channels.
According to The PUNCH, the Director of NANS, Okafor Ernest emphasized that no educational institution possessed unilateral authority to increase tuition fees.
He underscored the prevailing hardship faced by parents who are already struggling to provide education for their children.
He said, “The President of NANS, Lucky Omonefe, said no institution had the right to increase the fees, and that currently, parents were suffering to cater for their children and make sure they go to school.
“Increasing the school fees is also inflicting hardship on the parents, knowing that the country is not stable. We know things are not normal and we have said that there should be no increment for now.”
Also the President of NANS, Lucky Omonefe, echoed the sentiment, stating that, amid the country’s current challenges, institutions had no right to impose fee hikes.
Omonefe pointed out that parents were grappling with financial burdens to ensure their children’s education, making any further increase untenable.
“Increasing the school fees is also inflicting hardship on the parents, knowing that the country is not stable. We know things are not normal and we have said that there should be no increment for now.”
Samuel Kappo, former coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students South-West Zone, voiced his displeasure, considering the economic challenges faced by families.
Kappo warned that the fee hikes could potentially lead to a significant increase in student dropouts, urging the government to intervene and prioritize accessible and affordable education.
