Says it’s ridiculous, embarrassing, threatens nationwide protest
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has condemned the increase in tuition of higher institutions in the country.
The student body said it was most ridiculous and embarrassing that the government would be introducing fees increment without thinking of rescuing over 133 million Nigerian people from multidimensional poverty.
In a statement, at the weekend, in Ibadan, by its National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yisa Temitope Giwa, the association said there was no justification for increment in tuition across tertiary institutions and even unity schools.
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.
THEGUARDIAN
