House Of Reps Tells Commission Not To Increase Fees Of Federal Universities

The House of Representatives has urged the National Universities Commission NUC, to immediately halt the implementation of the increase of fees by Federal Universities across Nigeria.

This was sequel to a motion by a member from Kano state, Mr Aliyu Madaki, during plenary on Tuesday.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the hike in fees by some federal universities across the country is happening against the worsening poverty level, inflation and high rate of unemployment and the recent fuel price hike.

Mr Madaki observed that the increase could cause disruptions for a number of students who cannot afford the fees, saying while many of them would be forced to defer their studies, others could drop out.

According to him, “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. 

“Also worried 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. 

He added that tertiary education is imperative in fostering growth, reducing poverty, and boosting the prosperity of any nation.

The House also mandated the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services (when constituted) to investigate the matter, with a view to finding lasting solutions to the challenges in the tertiary education sector.

Confidence Okwuchi