The leadership of 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, calling on 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.

“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).

Daily Trust reports that many universities have recently jacked up tuition fees which triggered protests in some universities.

According to the Senate President, “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 these directives.”

The statement read: “This we find barbaric, therefore, we declare that if these institutions persist in their disregard for the government’s stance, NANS will mobilize Nigerian students nationwide to stage a relentless protest, stampede, and shut down the country until our demands are met.

“We emphasize that the implementation of the new budget for education is closely monitored by NANS, and any attempt to burden students with additional financial strain will be met with fierce resistance. Education is a right, not a privilege, and we will not tolerate any infringement upon the accessibility of quality education for the Nigerian student.

“Education is not a privilege reserved for a select few; it is an inalienable right that must be made available to every Nigerian, especially the common man. The proposed tuition fee hikes, as put forth by institutions like the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), threaten to erode this fundamental right and push education beyond the reach of many.

“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.” (Daily Trust)

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