News
Rising Fees: Parents, Students Demand Relief Amid Economic Challenges
Parents and students across Nigerian universities have expressed their concerns and appeal for measures to alleviate the burden of increasing tuition fees, as economic hardships persist. Read about the impact of rising fees and the urgent need for support in the education sector.
As the economic challenges in Nigeria continue to take a toll on its citizens, parents and students are grappling with another pressing issue—the alarming hike in university fees. The escalating cost of education has sparked widespread outcry, with fears of increased financial strain and potential mass dropouts. In this article, we explore the repercussions of rising fees, the factors contributing to this trend, and the urgent call for relief from parents and students across the country.
The Impact Of Soaring Tuition Fees
The recent adjustments in registration fees for various courses across federal and state-owned universities have sent shockwaves through Nigerian society. Reports indicate that some increments have reached a staggering 300%, exacerbating the economic woes faced by ordinary citizens. The removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have further compounded the financial burden on parents and students seeking higher education.
Economic Struggles
Parents and students alike are grappling with the harsh realities of an economy marred by inflation, rising living costs, and reduced purchasing power. Many families are already burdened with expenses related to food, transportation, and utilities, leaving them ill-equipped to bear the additional financial strain of increased tuition fees.
Lack of Access to Students’ Loan Scheme
While the recently enacted Students’ Loan Bill was expected to provide relief, the lack of clarity on how the scheme will benefit Nigerians has only deepened the complexity of the situation. Parents and educationists are concerned that the ambiguity surrounding the loan scheme may hinder eligible students from accessing the financial support they desperately need.
Self-Sponsored Students’ Plight
Students who finance their education through small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or menial jobs face significant challenges in accessing the students’ loan scheme. Many fear that the stringent requirements and limited availability of funds may render the scheme practically inaccessible, leaving them without the means to pay their fees.
Protests and Demands for Mitigation
The mounting grievances against soaring university fees have prompted students to take to the streets in protest. At Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Edo State, students recently staged a demonstration against a nearly 300% increase in registration fees. Law students, for instance, are now expected to pay as much as N741,500 compared to the previous year’s N185,000. The students lament the state government’s disregard for the financial constraints faced by the less privileged, asserting that education should not be reserved solely for the affluent.
Similarly, students and parents in Borno and Kano states have expressed their concerns about the far-reaching implications of increased fees. The University of Maiduguri and Bayero University Kano have announced significant hikes, prompting worries about a surge in dropout rates and limiting access to higher education for ordinary Nigerians. The stories of struggling students and their families highlight the urgency for action.
Appealing For Support
Parents, students, and education stakeholders are calling upon the government to address the rising university fees crisis promptly. They advocate for the provision of mitigating factors and the revitalization of the economy before implementing further subsidy removals in the education sector. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to prioritize these measures to prevent mass dropouts and ensure that affordable education remains within reach for all.
The Dilemma of University Administrators
While the outcry from parents and students is understandable, university administrators face their own set of challenges. Rising operational costs, continuing to provide quality education, and maintaining infrastructure necessitate a steady stream of funding. As a result, administrators find themselves caught between the need to generate revenue through increased fees and the responsibility to make education accessible to all.
To address this dilemma, some university administrators are exploring alternative funding models. Collaborations with private enterprises, seeking grants and donations, and implementing cost-cutting measures are among the strategies being considered. However, these efforts alone may not be sufficient to alleviate the financial strain on parents and students.
Transparent And Inclusive Dialogue
A transparent and inclusive dialogue between the government, university administrators, students, parents, and other stakeholders is crucial. This dialogue should focus on finding sustainable solutions that balance the financial needs of the universities with the affordability of education for students.
Financial Aid And Scholarships
Governments, philanthropic organizations, and private enterprises should step forward to provide financial aid and scholarships to deserving students. By increasing the availability of scholarships and grants, more students can access higher education without being burdened by excessive fees.
Strengthening Students’ Loan Scheme
The government should ensure the effective implementation of the Students’ Loan Bill, providing clear guidelines and processes for students to access loans. The scheme should consider the needs of self-sponsored students and simplify the application process to facilitate broader participation.
Economic Reforms and Job Creation
Implementing economic reforms and initiatives that promote job creation can help alleviate the financial struggles faced by parents and students. By improving the overall economic climate, individuals will have better opportunities to meet their financial obligations, including university fees.
Investment in Education
Governments should prioritize investment in the education sector to ensure the sustainability and affordability of higher education. This includes adequately funding universities, supporting research and innovation, and creating an enabling environment for quality education.
The rising university fees in Nigeria have placed a heavy burden on parents and students, exacerbating the economic challenges already faced by many. Urgent action is required to address this issue and ensure that education remains accessible and affordable for all. Through transparent dialogue, financial aid initiatives, strengthening the students’ loan scheme, and promoting economic reforms, the government, university administrators, and stakeholders can work together to mitigate the impact of rising fees and safeguard the future of Nigerian higher education.
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who’s still in the US, claimed the move is linked to her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
She disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Sunday.
She said, “I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja.”
IPOB Lawyer Demands Probe By Security Operatives
Onitsha-based trader had been hospitalised following the
reported looting of her medicine store by officials of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The looting as contained in a viral footage, has attracted wild condemnation.
Consequently, a lawyer and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded an investigation by security into the act perpetrated by NAFDAC officials.
As at the time of this report, NAFDAC is said to be preparing its response to the allegation.
While describing the heart-wrenching testimony of the devastated trader as both troubling and unacceptable, he said the woman is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from the traumatic incident.
Ejiofor, also a lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said it is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the viral video showing a female trader alleging that her shop was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.
“Recently, I strongly condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs. While the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent traders. Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialized.
“In my previous public statement, I urged security agencies and NAFDAC to investigate their personnel implicated in these allegations. However, despite the gravity of the situation, no action has been taken.
“This latest evidence – captured on video – clearly exposes officials entrusted with regulatory enforcement, allegedly engaging in outright looting, betraying public trust.
“The heart-wrenching testimony of this devastated trader is both troubling and unacceptable. Disturbingly, information available to us confirms that this innocent woman is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from this traumatic incident. This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
‘I, therefore, call upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act.
“NAFDAC must urgently assess and provide commensurate reparations for this devastating loss, ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt by the victims. Justice delayed is justice denied. Immediate disciplinary and legal measures must be enforced to restore public confidence in our institutions.
“Such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability. The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law. If we fail to act decisively, we risk enabling a culture of impunity that will only deepen public distrust in our institutions.”
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The quest to upgrade , promote and advance Secondary Education by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike through technological advancement is undaunted, not minding some drawbacks brought about by the operators before his assumption of duty.
Under his special arrangements and Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is attracting massive infrastructure development, provision of equipment and manpower to the FCT secondary schools by discouraging the manual , local and outdated infrastructures, hence embarked by Wike led administration through massive construction, renovation and reconstruction of schools across the FCT with modest high tech equipment, including the provision of mobile clinics and portable water for students consumption, the desire to place them in line with the global standards with the attainment and provision of ICT equipment in line with the modest policies became germane.
Without mincing words , he announced the massive reorganisation, reactivation and rehabilitation of all facets of Secondary Education in the nation’s city , to bridge both the dearth of learning , equipment among many others lacking in the FCT, including the inculcation of Information and Communication Technology ICT facilities.
Aside the provision of secondary schools education to FCT residents , 36 states indigenes residents in the FCT including the adjoining states of Kogi , Niger, Nasssarawa, Kaduna and Plateau state took advantage of the proximity to move their wards into benefiting from the secondary education curricula in the FCT.
Since Secondary Schools Education is now inculcated into Basic Education in line with the new policy thrust of the federal government, the need to rejig it cannot be overstressed, therefore desiring Urgent and adequate attention through manpower reorientation, equipment rejigging ,provision and monitoring.
The Nyesom Wike led FCT administration as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed confronted by tackling the issue of Information and Communication Technology ICT, that will bring in tandem programs of the secondary schools , exposed the pupils and teachers , streamline it to compete favourably with both local and international programs.
Having tackled the gradual reconstruction, rehabilitation and replacement of major equipment including manpower and technical know how , he embarked on the provision of ICT equipment and facilities in all secondary schools in FCT with initial supplies of 850 computer tablets and 45 laptops distributed across 20 public senior secondary schools across six area councils of Bwari , Gwagwalada , Kuje, Abuja Municipal Council AMAC, Kwali and Abaji area councils with each school taken initial possession from the maiden distribution of Information and Communication Technology ICT facilities of 42 computer tablets for students and two laptops for ICT teachers and instructors.
According to the FCT Minister, the new policy thrust on provision of ICT facilities debuted in the 20 public schools will gradually trickle down to all the public schools across the FCT before the end of the first term of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu first term to boost not only information and communication technology ICT, not only in secondary schools, but across educational institutions in the FCT.
According to him, these resources will boost digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and ensure that students are equipped for the technology-driven world, it will also contribute positively to academic performance in FCT schools as training for optimal use will commence immediately .
Accordingly , these resources provided by the Minister , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will boost digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and ensure that students are equipped for the technology-driven world.
The facilities if used effectively and efficiently will contribute positively to academic performance in FCT schools as training for optimal use will commence immediately, in line with the vision and mission of the Wike led FCT administration.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.