Nigerian students under aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has issued a strong warning Vice Chancellors in the nation’s universities against the proposed hike in tuition fees.
According to The PUNCH, This is even as the NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, described the moves as unjustifiable.
This was contained in press release issued in Ibadan, Oyo State, Babatunde where he condemned the recent actions by some Vice Chancellors to raise fees.
The statement read in part, “We strongly condemn the recent moves by some Vice Chancellors across universities in Nigeria, including the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Ibadan, who are reportedly planning unjustifiable increments in tuition and other fees.”
“These senseless actions are designed to frustrate the successful implementation of the Federal Government’s newly introduced Student Loan Scheme,” he said.
“It has come to our attention that these Vice Chancellors are hatching plans that will undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s noble objective of providing accessible education through the Student Loan Scheme.”
NANS, therefore, vowed to resist any attempt to increase the financial burden on students. Especially in light of the Federal Government’s newly introduced Student Loan Scheme.
Babatunde noted that such actions would hinder the government’s efforts to make education more accessible.
According to NANS, the scheme was created to alleviate the financial challenges faced by Nigerian students. They, therefore, warned that any attempt to raise tuition fees would defeat its purpose.
The students body called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently investigate the issues. NANS urged him to take action against Vice Chancellors attempting to push fee increases.
The statement added, “We call on President Tinubu to urgently investigate this anti-student agenda. And to take decisive action by sacking these Vice Chancellors who are determined to obstruct educational progress.”
NANS also called on parents, education stakeholders, and all Nigerians to join the body in opposing the planned fee hikes.
“Education should be made affordable and accessible to all, not used as a tool for exploitation.
“We remain committed to defending the interests of Nigerian students. And ensuring that the scheme is successfully implemented without unnecessary hindrances,” the statement concluded.
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