House of reps. ask FG to halt increase in universities school fees

The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked Federal universities to immediately suspend the implementation of the increase in fees.

The lawmakers said the increase in fees is capable of causing students to drop out of school.

This followed the adoption of a motion brought before the house at the plenary by Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, titled “Call to Suspend the Implementation of Increase in Tuition Fees of Universities”.

While citing the poor funding of Tertiary Education and rising inflation in the country, Madaki alleged that federal universities across the country had increased their tuition fees from 100 per cent to 200 per cent while hostel fees were increased from 50 per cent to 100 per cent.

He listed some of the universities that increased their fees to include Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; the University of Uyo; University of Maiduguri; Michael Okpara, University of Agriculture, Umudike and Federal University, Dutse, among others.

He expressed concerns that the hike in fees by the universities is happening against the worsening poverty level in the country, inflation and high rate of unemployment and the recent fuel price hike.

Also concerned that the increase could cause disruptions for a number of students who can not afford the fees and, while many of them would be forced to defer their studies, others could drop out;

He said: “Worried that the hike may aggravate the already volatile situation in the country as students are already making threats which could lead to an uprising against the Federal Government, with grievous consequences for the country as a whole;

“Also worried that an increased rate of university dropouts may further worsen insecurity in Nigeria as the frustrated students may find the wrong outlets to express their grievances

“Cognizant that tertiary education is imperative in fostering growth, reducing poverty, and boosting the prosperity of any nation;

The House, therefore, asked the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately review the new fees regime in Federal Government Colleges and revert to the old regime.

It said the Federal Government should take immediate steps to adequately fund the education sector by increasing budgetary provisions to ensure that Nigerian students have access to quality and affordable basic and senior secondary education.

The House also resolved to investigate the increase of fees by all Federal Universities and the hike in school fees for students of Federal Government Colleges across the Country with a view to finding lasting solutions to the challenges in the education sector.

(The Guardian)