The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) is opposing the country’s higher institutions’ planned increase in fees, News About Nigeria reports.
NANS called the government’s actions “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 finances to support and make education affordable, saying that the launch of the student loan program is a way to get Nigerians to agree to a fee increase.
According to the group, there is no basis for raising fees at academic institutions and Unity schools.
They asked that the increase in school fees be held off.
“We must state categorically that there is no justification for increment in school fees across our tertiary institutions and even Unity schools.
“Our demand is clear and simple; the attempt to increase school fees must be suspended. And, those that have floated it must reverse it with immediate effect.”
NANS encouraged Nigerian students to get ready for a nationwide protest, very similar to the one that took place during the long ASUU strike, until the Federal Government changed its mind.
“We call on Nigerian students to brace up and be prepared for an all-round protest as was done during the prolonged ASUU strike until the Federal Government reverses this policy.
“The increment of school fees at UNILAG and the planned increment across tertiary institutions in the country has shown this administration to be a very insensitive one.
“As a matter of fact, it is most ridiculous and embarrassing that the government will be introducing fee increments without thinking of rescuing over 133 million Nigerian people from multidimensional poverty.
“Increment in fees across tertiary institutions will only complicate the poverty situation of the country and also increase the number of out-of-school children.
“As an association, we believe that the Nigerian government has what it takes to massively fund education and make it accessible.
“In fact, the student loan that was introduced by the Federal Government is nothing but a sham and bait to lure the Nigerian people into accepting increments in fees payable.
“Beyond the fact that the terms of the loan are ridiculous, history has taught us that not every applicant will be considered.
“And, even if all of them were to be considered, it still does not justify an increment in an economy that tops the unemployment index. Rather than give loans, the government must provide grants and scholarships for students.”
