The House of Representatives has demanded that the National Universities Commission (NUC) suspend the immediate implementation of increased tuition fees in universities. This decision was made following a motion presented by Rep. Aliyu Madaki (NNPP-Kano) during a session in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his motion, Madaki highlighted the insufficient funding of tertiary education and the escalating inflation in the country. He pointed out that Federal Universities nationwide had raised their tuition fees by 100 to 200 percent, while hostel fees had also increased by 50 to 100 percent.
Madaki expressed concern over the timing of the fee hikes, considering the growing poverty levels, inflation, high unemployment rates, and recent fuel price increases in the country. He warned that such increases could disrupt the education of numerous students who couldn’t afford the new fees, resulting in some deferring their studies or dropping out altogether.
Related Posts
Furthermore, he stressed that the fee hikes could exacerbate the already volatile situation in the country, as students were already making threats that could lead to an uprising against the Federal Government. This, he emphasized, would have severe consequences for the nation.
Madaki argued that an increased rate of university dropouts could worsen insecurity in Nigeria, as frustrated students might resort to inappropriate means to express their grievances. He emphasized the importance of tertiary education in fostering growth, reducing poverty, and promoting national prosperity.
Consequently, the House adopted the motion and urged the National Universities Commission to immediately halt the implementation of the fee increases in Federal Universities. Additionally, the House mandated the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services, once constituted, to investigate the fee increases in Federal Universities across the country and find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the tertiary education sector.
Read Here: APM withdraws petition against Makinde
