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 student union urged the Federal Government to immediately intervene in the looming crisis surrounding the fee hike.
“We, the leadership of NANS, stand united and resolute in our commitment to protecting the rights and interests of Nigerian students,” the statement read.
“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).
“NANS vehemently rejects any policy that jeopardizes the accessibility of education to the common man. The negative effects of these tuition fee increments are far-reaching and have severe implications for our nation’s future.
“As fees skyrocket, many students, burdened by 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 increments are not only unacceptable but also an affront to the aspirations of countless students striving to contribute meaningfully to the development of our great nation.
“To forestall the negative impact/ consequences on the country at large, we call on the Federal Government to swiftly intervene, ensuring that these institutions align with the government’s commitment to affordable and quality education for all.
“The Federal Government must recognize the potential fallout from such increases – a surge in crimes, 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 that come with knowledge and skills acquisition.
“To this end, the leadership of NANS demands that the Federal Government, in collaboration with relevant authorities, acts decisively to ensure that tuition fees remain reasonable and accessible. We must prioritize the future of our nation by safeguarding the right to education for all Nigerians, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
“Education is a right, and NANS will not stand idly by as it becomes a privilege for the few. The security and prosperity of our nation depend on a well-educated populace, and we implore the government to take immediate action to prevent the impending crisis.”
