The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the umbrella body for Nigerian university students, has issued a strong warning against universities raising tuition fees indiscriminately. This comes in response to a recent decision by the Federal Government to introduce a student loan scheme, the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Fears of Exploitation and Accessibility Concerns
NANS fears that universities will see the loan scheme as an opportunity to hike fees without justification. They argue that such increases would disproportionately burden students and their families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. In a statement released after their 74th Senate meeting held in Kano, NANS president Comrade Okunomo Adewumi declared, “Any institution found doing so will face the full wrath and consequences of NANS.
The statement further emphasizes accessibility concerns. The loan scheme, while potentially helpful, may not be a universal solution. Many students, especially from rural areas, may lack the information or support systems necessary to navigate the loan application process. Furthermore, the terms of the loan, particularly interest rates and repayment timelines, could create a significant financial burden for graduates entering a challenging job market.
NANS proposes an alternative approach. They call for an “immediate and drastic reduction of tuition fees across all tertiary institutions in the country.” This, they argue, would make education more accessible for a wider range of students and alleviate the financial pressure on families.
A History of Student Struggle and Broken Promises
The current situation reignites memories of past struggles. Nigerian university students have a long history of protesting against rising tuition fees. In 2017, nationwide protests erupted after the federal government announced a significant increase in fees at public universities. The demonstrations, which involved mass student walkouts and campus closures, ultimately forced the government to back down.
However, students remain wary of government pronouncements. The promise of improved educational infrastructure and facilities that often accompanies fee hikes rarely materializes. NANS highlights the continued lack of basic amenities like proper lecture halls, functional laboratories, and updated libraries in many universities. They argue that before any fee increases are considered, these fundamental issues must be addressed.
Balancing Needs: Funding, Quality, and Student Access
The issue of university funding in Nigeria is complex. Public universities are heavily reliant on government funding, which has been steadily declining in recent years. This decline has resulted in a deterioration of educational facilities and services. Universities argue that increased fees are necessary to maintain a minimum standard of education and attract qualified faculty.
NANS acknowledges the funding challenges but maintains that universities must demonstrate transparency and accountability in how they utilize existing resources. They propose exploring alternative funding mechanisms, such as increased government allocation, public-private partnerships, and alumni donations, before resorting to burdening students with higher fees.
Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a sustainable funding model that ensures quality education remains accessible to all qualified students.
Seeking Dialogue and a Sustainable Solution
NANS is calling for open dialogue with the government, university administrators, and other stakeholders. They propose the formation of a joint committee to explore alternative funding options and ensure transparency in university finances.
The statement concludes with a call to action for students nationwide. NANS urges its members to remain vigilant and prepare for mass mobilization if universities continue with plans for unjustifiable fee hikes. They emphasize their commitment to peaceful protest but warn that they will not hesitate to take “decisive action” to protect the rights of Nigerian students.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial. NANS’ strong stance against indiscriminate tuition hikes has the potential to spark a national conversation about the future of university funding in Nigeria. Whether this will lead to a sustainable solution that balances the need for quality education with student accessibility remains to be seen.
