July 22, (THEWILL) – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has condemned the proposed tuition hike in tertiary institutions across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Public Relations Officer, Giwa Temitope, the association described the decision as “insensitive” and “embarrassing”.
According to the students, the government possesses adequate resources to fund education and ensure its accessibility.
They described the introduction of the student loan scheme, as a deceptive measure aimed at convincing Nigerians to accept the fee increments.
Calling for immediate suspension of the fee, NANS urged those institutions that have already implemented the policy to reverse it promptly.
The association, therefore, urged Nigerian students to get ready for a comprehensive protest until the Federal Government reverses the policy, akin to the one held during the extended ASUU strike.
According to NANS, “We must state categorically that there is no justification for increment in school 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.
“We call on Nigerian students to brace up and be prepared for an all-round protest as was done during the prolonged ASUU strike until the Federal Government reverses this policy.
“The increment of school fees at UNILAG and the planned increment across tertiary institutions in the country has shown this administration to be a very insensitive one.
“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 only complicate the country’s poverty situation and 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 student loan that was introduced by the Federal Government is nothing but a sham and bait to lure the Nigerian people into accepting increments in fees payable.
“Beyond the fact that the terms of the loan are 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 an increment in an economy that tops the unemployment index. Rather than give loans, the government must provide student grants and scholarships.”
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