WED, JULY 12 2023-theGBJournal |Nigerian lawmakers expressed anger and concern Wednesday on the spontenous hike in tuition fees by the universities in the country, noting that move is happening against the worsening poverty level in the country, inflation and high rate of unemployment and the recent fuel price hike.
The Universities that have hiked their fees so far include Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Uyo, University of Maiduguri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Federal University, Dutse, among others.
Amidst poor funding of Tertiary Education and rising inflation in the country, the Federal Universities across the country increased their tuition fees by tuition fees from 100% to 200% while hostel fees were increased from 50% to 100%.
”The increase could cause disruptions for a number of students who cannot not afford the fees and, while many of them would be forced to defer their studies, others could drop out,” House of Representatives said during the plenary Wednesday.
The House said they are worried that the hike may aggravate the already volatile situation in the country as students are already making threats which could lead to an uprising against the Federal Government, with grievous consequences for the country as a whole, during the debate on the matter which was initiated by Aliyu Sani Madaki, member representing Dala Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives.
The lawmakers also expressed worries that an increased rate of university dropouts may further worsen insecurity in Nigeria as the frustrated students may find the wrong outlets to express their grievances, cognizant that tertiary education is imperative in fostering growth, reducing poverty, and boosting the prosperity of any nation.
Madaki moved the motion calling to suspend the implementation of increase in tuition fees of Universities and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jalo.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education when constituted.
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