Students threaten massive protest in opposition to tuition increases.

The National Association of University Students has threatened to hold a nationwide demonstration over the recent increase in tuition costs in the country following the recent increase in tuition rates for higher institutions and government schools.

This information was exclusively provided to our correspondent in a statement headed “Warning Against Tuition Fee Increment” that was released on Saturday and signed by Eruobami Ayobami, the NAUS Chairman, and Babalola Daniel, the National Deputy President.

“It is with great displeasure as we Write to condemn the act of the Federal Government as well as higher institutions who have decided to increase the price of tuition in this current economic disintegration,” part of the statement read.

The management of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State has reportedly increased fees for undergraduate students in the institution.

This information was provided in a statement released by the UNILAG section of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities on July 20, 2023, following a meeting with senior management.

The institution’s students used to pay N19,000, but the management has set new tuition at N190,250 for students studying medicine, and N140,250 for courses requiring lab and studio work.

Additionally, this publication notes that the Federal Ministry of Education, an agency of the federal government, has increased the tuition for new students at Federal Government Colleges, also known as Federal Unity Colleges, to $100,000.

According to the circular entitled, “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students“, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, new students are expected to part with ₦100,000 instead of the previous N45,000.

According to NAUS, it is clear that the quality of our university education is not good, and as a result, initiatives that would worsen the educational system will not be supported.

“University is where every profession that runs the nation is trained and mentored, investing in the origin of every profession should never be a problem for any nation interested in development.

It stated that any legislation enacting a tuition increase would be met with immediate protests from the student population.

“We want to reiterate that as students, we won’t hesitate to come out en-mass to protest against any form of implementation that poses a threat to the students’ community,” it added.

The student body further urged various higher institutions that have plans to raise their school fees to reconsider their plans as it will only have a negative impact on the academic system and have a negative impact on the students, while assuring students of its commitment to protecting their interests at all times.