In a renewed plea for student welfare, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has implored the Federal Government to promptly step in and safeguard its members from the imminent threat of increased tuition fees by certain tertiary institutions.
This urgent call to action was conveyed through a statement issued by the association’s Senate President, Mr. Akinteye Afeez, and made available to the press on Thursday in Lagos.
Expressing deep concern, Afeez voiced dissatisfaction with recent indications of potential tuition fee hikes, singling out the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA).
He highlighted the disheartening nature of these proposals, particularly in light of the explicit instructions from the Federal Government against such fee increments.
“It is disheartening and worrisome that despite the Federal Government’s explicit instructions against tuition fee hikes, certain vice-chancellors and heads of institutions seem poised to defy the directive.
This we find barbaric and therefore call on the Federal Government to call erring institutions to order by demanding immediate intervention in the looming crisis surrounding such fee increment,” Afeez stated.
The NANS Senate President emphasized the need for the Federal Government to take decisive action against institutions veering off course, violating established directives.
The looming crisis, as Afeez described it, underscores the gravity of the situation, with potential repercussions for countless students who may face financial strain as a result of fee hikes.
Afeez warned that if these institutions persist in their pursuit of increased tuition fees, NANS is prepared to mobilize students across Nigeria to stage a nationwide protest.
The association stands resolute in its commitment to championing the rights and interests of students, vowing to escalate their efforts until their demands for fair and affordable education are met.
The call for government intervention resonates with broader concerns about access to education and the financial burden on students and their families.
It highlights the delicate balance between the financial sustainability of educational institutions and the imperative to ensure that education remains accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds.
As NANS takes the lead in advocating for the students’ cause, the spotlight is on the Federal Government to respond effectively, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge remains an achievable aspiration for every Nigerian student.
The outcome of this plea and the subsequent actions taken will undoubtedly shape the landscape of higher education affordability in the country.
