September 18, (THEWILL) – The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), on Monday, called on the Federal Government to prioritise the education of all children in the country, especially those from poor families.
The human rights group stressed that this is a sequel to the decision by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNUs), to increase its obligatory and some other fees being charged to students.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated this in a press statement made available to newsmen.
According to him, HURIWA is a non-governmental organisation, committed to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
He revealed that one of the fundamental human rights HURIWA is dedicated to is safeguarding the right to education.
The group argued that it is the government’s responsibility to fund education and explore alternative funding mechanisms for public universities to reduce the financial burden on students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
While highlighting that the right to education is an essential human right, enshrined in both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments, of which Nigeria is a signatory.
They indicated that Article 18 (chapter II) of Nigeria’s Constitution 1999, states that the government’s policy shall be directed towards ensuring there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.
“Moreover, it mandates that education shall be free and compulsory for all children of school age. While this chapter is non-justiciable under section 6 (6) of the Constitution, a 2017 landmark judgement by the Federal High Court in Abuja declared that the right to compulsory, free, and universal primary and junior secondary education is enforceable in Nigeria. This decision is based on the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, enacted by the National Assembly, which makes specific provisions for basic education.”
HURIWA highlighted that the Constitutional provisions and international commitments highlighted the government’s primary responsibility for funding and ensuring access to quality education, especially in public institutions.
“Therefore, the argument put forth by CVCNUs that fee hikes are unavoidable due to the financial strain on universities is flawed. Instead, it is the government’s duty to provide sufficient financial support to these institutions. There are several reasons why this responsibility should not be shifted to students:
“Legal Obligation: The Constitution and international human rights treaties obligate the government to direct its policies towards providing equal and adequate educational opportunities, making education free and compulsory. These legal commitments emphasize that the government should bear the bulk of the financial burden in the education sector.
“Economic and Social Rights: Education is not just a privilege but an economic and social right. It is essential for the full development of human personality and the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Increasing fees can limit access to education and hinder the full development of the human personality, contravening international standards.
“Inequality and Discrimination: Fee hikes exacerbate inequality in access to education. They disproportionately affect students from low-income backgrounds, potentially excluding them from higher education opportunities. This goes against the principle of non-discrimination in education, as outlined in international human rights instruments like the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).”
They contended that Instead of placing the financial burden on students, public universities should explore alternative funding mechanisms to supplement government subventions.
HURIWA advocated for increased government funding of public universities to reduce the financial burden on students and their families.
“Encourage public universities to establish research partnerships and seek support from alumni and corporate bodies to supplement their funding.
“Monitor and document cases of human rights violations related to education, especially those resulting from fee hikes.
“Promote the justiciability of the right to education in Nigeria, allowing individuals and organisations to take legal action against the government for failing to provide quality and affordable education.
“Collaborate with stakeholders, including students, parents, universities, and government agencies, to find sustainable solutions to the financial challenges facing universities.”
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