The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Government to introduce a One-Year Tuition Fee Waiver for Students in Federal Tertiary Institutions.
The lawmakers also urged State Governments to adopt a Similar Measure to alleviate the economic hardship.
The House urged the Nigerian Government to introduce a one-year emergency tuition fee waiver for eligible students in federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other Federal Tertiary Institutions.
The call was contained in a motion sponsored by Mr Satomi Ahmed at plenary.
The lawmaker also urged the Federal and State Governments to ensure the tuition relief initiative is time-bound, subject to periodic review, and implemented without compromising the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of tertiary education.
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The motion further urged the Government to establish an appropriate funding mechanism to compensate participating institutions for verified tuition revenue forgone, so that the
programme does not undermine their operations, staff welfare and academic standards.
It equally urged all State Governors to adopt a corresponding one-year tuition relief programme for eligible students in state-owned universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other state-owned tertiary institutions, according to their respective financial capacities.
While leading the debate on the motion, Mr Ahmed said that the economic reform policies of the Nigerian Government, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and other fiscal adjustments, have significantly increased the cost of living and placed considerable financial pressure on Nigerian households.
“Aware that the rising cost of food, transportation, accommodation, electricity and other essential needs has made it increasingly difficult for parents and guardians to meet the educational expenses of their children and dependents;
” Concerned that many students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education face the risk of dropping out of school, deferring their studies or experiencing prolonged financial distress due to their families’ inability to pay tuition and other compulsory institutional charges;
” Also concerned that financial barriers to education could increase youth unemployment, inequality, social instability and the number of young Nigerians who are unable to complete their education,” the motion said.
He said that the House recognises that education is a fundamental instrument for national development, poverty reduction, social mobility and the preparation of Nigerian youths for productive employment.
” Believes that a temporary, targeted and properly funded tuition relief programme would provide immediate support to students and their families while the country continues to implement its economic reform agenda,” it said.
The lawmakers called on the Nigerian Government to work with the relevant education authorities and institutional governing bodies to identify the tuition and compulsory academic charges eligible for relief, while maintaining transparency and accountability in implementation.
The motion emphasised the need for special consideration for students from low-income households, internally displaced families and other vulnerable groups to ensure that the programme reaches those most affected by the current economic hardship.
While adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committees on University Education, Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Federal Colleges of Education and Alternative Education to engage the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation and other relevant agencies to develop a feasible implementation framework, including eligibility criteria, funding requirements, monitoring and reporting arrangements.
