The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denounced the country’s higher institutions’ proposed increase in tuition and hereby threaten to protest.
NANS called the government’s conduct “insensitive” and “embarrassing” in a statement released on Saturday and signed by the National PRO, Giwa Temitope.
The group emphasized that the government has the resources to support and make education affordable, saying that the launch of the student loan program is a ruse and a gimmick to get Nigerians to agree to fee increases.
According to the group, there is no basis for raising tuition at academic institutions and Unity schools.
It urged that the increase in school fees be delayed and that those responsible for putting the policy into place should take it back.
“We must clarify unequivocally that no need exists for school fee increases at any of our higher institutions, including Unity schools. Our demand is unambiguous and straightforward: any attempt to raise school fees must be halted. And those who have floated it must immediately reverse it.
NANS also urged Nigerian students to get ready for a nationwide protest, akin to the one that took place during the protracted ASUU strike, until the Federal Government changed its mind.
“Until the Federal Government changes its policies, we urge Nigerian students to brace themselves and be ready for an all-out protest, as was done during the protracted ASUU strike.
“This administration’s insensitivity has been demonstrated by the increase in tuition at UNILAG and the expected increases at all higher institutions nationwide.
In reality, the government’s decision to introduce fee increases without first considering how to rescue more than 133 million Nigerians from multidimensional poverty is most absurd and shameful.
“An increase in tuition at all higher institutions will simply exacerbate the nation’s poverty problem and raise the number of children who are not in school.
“As a group, we think the Nigerian government is capable of providing substantial funding for education and ensuring its accessibility.
In reality, the federal government’s introduction of student loans was nothing more than a ruse and a piece of bait to persuade Nigerians to accept rising tuition costs.
“In addition to the absurdity of the loan’s terms, history has shown us that not all applicants will be taken into account. Even if all of them were taken into account, an increase in a country with the highest unemployment rate would not be justified. The government must offer grants and scholarships to students rather than lending them money.