- The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to embark on nationwide protests over tuition fee increment across the public higher educational institutions in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, the students’ union called on the federal government to immediately intervene in the looming tuition fee hike crisis.
“We, the leadership of NANS, are united and resolute in our commitment to protect the rights and interests of Nigerian students,” the statement said.
“To this end, the recent proposals for tuition fee increases, notably from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), are unequivocally rejected,” the association said in a statement by Senate President, NANS National Headquarters, Sen. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (BABTEE).
“NAS strongly rejects any policy that jeopardizes the accessibility of education to ordinary people.
The negative effects of these tuition fee hikes are far-reaching and have serious implications for the future of our nation.
“As fees skyrocket, many students burdened with 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 increases are not only unacceptable, but also an affront to the aspirations of countless students who strive to contribute meaningfully to the development of our great nation.
“In order to prevent negative effects/expectations for the country as a whole, we call on the Federal Government to intervene quickly, to ensure that these institutions are in line with the government’s mission of affordable and quality education for all.
“The federal government must recognize the potential consequences of such a surge – a rise in crime, a decline in national productivity and a setback to our collective progress.
By neglecting the affordability of education, we risk creating a generation excluded from the opportunities offered by acquiring knowledge and skills.
“To this end, NANS management demands that the Federal Government, in collaboration with relevant authorities, act decisively to ensure that tuition fees remain reasonable and affordable.
We must prioritize the future of our nation by ensuring the right to education for all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic background.
“Education is a right and NANS will not stand still as it becomes the privilege of a few.
The security and well-being of our nation depends on an educated population, and we urge the government to take immediate steps to prevent the coming crisis.”
Gists9ja
