The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning, declaring its intent to organize nationwide protests in response to the surge in tuition fees across public higher educational institutions in the country. The association urgently calls on the Federal Government to intervene and address the escalating crisis.
In a statement released by Sen. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (BABTEE), the Senate President of NANS National Headquarters, the association vehemently rejects recent proposals for tuition fee increases, particularly from institutions like the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA). The statement emphasizes the disregard for the government’s explicit instructions against tuition fee hikes.
Expressing concern over the defiance of directives by certain Vice Chancellors and heads of institutions, NANS asserts its commitment to protecting the rights and interests of Nigerian students. The association denounces any attempt to burden students with additional financial strain and warns of a relentless protest, urging the shutdown of the country until their demands are met.
NANS underscores the inalienable right to education, emphasizing that education should be accessible to every Nigerian, especially the common man. The proposed tuition fee hikes, if implemented, could jeopardize this fundamental right, leading to severe consequences such as increased dropout rates, unemployment, and potential involvement in criminal activities by affected students.
The association calls on the Federal Government to swiftly intervene, ensuring that institutions align with the commitment to affordable and quality education for all. NANS stresses the importance of prioritizing the nation’s future by safeguarding the right to education, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds. In conclusion, NANS demands decisive action from the Federal Government and relevant authorities to prevent the impending crisis and uphold the right to education for all Nigerians.
