By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the planned increment of school fees across tertiary institutions in the country.
In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Giwa Yisa Temitope, NANS said the planned increment is insensitive and embarrassing, especially at a time when the country is facing a multidimensional poverty crisis.
“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,” Giwa said. “As a matter of fact, it is most ridiculous and embarrassing that the government will be introducing fees increment 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.”
NANS also criticized the government’s student loan scheme, calling it a “sham and a bait to lure the Nigerian people into accepting increment in fees payable.”
“The terms of the loan are ridiculous,” Giwa said. “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 increment in an economy that tops the unemployment index. Rather than give loans, the government must provide for grants and scholarships for students.”
NANS called 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 the policy.
