Students in Ogun State-owned tertiary institutions are up in arms over the recent hike in tuition fees. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State, has demanded the immediate reversal of the increase, threatening to shut down the state with mass protests if their demands are not met.
The NANS chairman, Francis Adeyanju, described the increment as “abnormal” and “unfair.” He said that the hike would make it even more difficult for vulnerable and indigent students to access affordable and qualitative education.
Adeyanju also pointed out that the state government had almost abandoned tertiary education, evidenced by the deplorable state of infrastructure and the shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff. He accused the government of being insensitive to the plight of students and the development of education in the state.
The students have given the Ogun State government a four-day ultimatum to reverse all tuition fee increases. If their demands are not met, they have vowed to mobilise students across the state and shut down the state in a mass protest.
The students’ demands are justified. The cost of living in Nigeria is already high, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. A hike in tuition fees will only make it more difficult for students to afford an education.
The Ogun State government’s decision to increase tuition fees is also insensitive to the plight of students. The state has a responsibility to provide affordable and quality education to its citizens. By increasing tuition fees, the government is making it more difficult for students from low-income families to access education.
The students’ threat of mass protest is understandable. They have been pushed to the limit and are no longer willing to tolerate the government’s neglect of education. The government should heed their demands and reverse the tuition fee hike.
The students’ threat to shut down the state in a mass protest is a bit hyperbolic. But it’s also a sign of their frustration. The government should take their demands seriously before things get out of hand.
