As universities prepare to open for a new academic session, protests have erupted over tuition hikes by numerous institutions amidst economic downturns.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), along with parents and student associations, have raised alarms about potential mass student dropouts due to these fee hikes. Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, National President of ASUU, criticized the moves, stating that universities shouldn’t operate like commercial centers.
Obafemi Awolowo University announced new fee structures, with significant increases across various faculties. Similar hikes were noted at the University of Benin, and other federal universities cited the rising costs of learning materials as reasons for the increments.
University of Nigeria Nsukka also reported a 100% increase in fees across all levels. The students responded with protests, demanding fee reductions and expressing their grievances with the sudden hikes.
ASUU’s leader, Prof. Osodeke, highlighted the inadequacy of government funding for education and warned against the potential fallout of high student dropout rates. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing education as was done in past decades.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities’ (SSANU) National President, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, stated that universities might struggle to operate without adequate government funding. He noted that many institutions are resorting to fee hikes due to insufficient financial support from the government.
The Vice-President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Afeez Akinteye, announced plans for student-led protests against the fee increases.
The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria urged universities to reconsider the hikes, cautioning that continued fee increases could lead to higher crime rates as students drop out. They also proposed using funds from fuel subsidies to support the education sector.
Parents are worried about the economic impact of these fees. Mrs. Grace Oluwagbotemi, a single mother, expressed concerns over the sudden hike, as her daughter now has to combine studies with work to afford education. Similarly, other parents shared their frustrations, calling on the government to reevaluate the fee increments given the current economic landscape.
Okpara emphasized the grave implications of the tuition hikes, stating, “For many, it’s akin to pushing them towards a life of constant dependence on relatives and friends for financial support. This wouldn’t be the situation if the fees were more manageable for parents.” He further expressed concerns about a potential large-scale withdrawal of students due to a lack of affordable alternatives.
