NANS condemns proposed tuition hike in varsities, unity schools
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denounced the country’s higher education institutions’ tuition increases.
The student body deemed it outrageous and shameful that the government would raise tuition without first considering rescuing more than 133 million Nigerians from multifaceted poverty.
The organisation claimed there was no rationale for tuition increases at postsecondary institutions or even unity schools in a statement released over the weekend in Ibadan by its National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yisa Temitope Giwa.
Giwa said: “The increment of tuition at UNILAG and the planned one across tertiary institutions in the country has shown this administration to be very insensitive. As a matter of fact, it is most ridiculous and embarrassing that the government will be introducing fees increment without thinking of rescuing over 133 million Nigerian people from multidimensional poverty.
“Increment in fees across tertiary institutions will not only complicate the poverty situation of the country but also increase the number of out-of-school children.
“As an association, we believe that the Nigerian government has what it takes to massively fund education and make it accessible. In fact, the students’ loan that was introduced by the Federal Government is nothing but a sham and a bait to lure the Nigerian people into accepting increment in fees payable.
“Beyond the fact that the term of the loan is ridiculous, history has taught us that not every applicant will be considered. And, even if all of them were to be considered, it still does not justify increment in an economy that tops the unemployment index. Rather than give loans, the government must provide for grants and scholarships for students.
“We must state categorically that there is no justification for increment in fees across our tertiary institutions and even unity schools. Our demand is clear and simple; the attempt to increase school fees must be suspended. And those that have floated it must reverse it with immediate effect.”
The body urged Nigerian students to brace up and be prepared for an all-round protest as was done during the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike until the Federal Government reverses this policy.