Education, it is said, is the best legacy and while it is acclaimed to be free across many states in Nigeria, the reverse is the actual case. Consequently, many individuals don’t have the opportunity to acquire education because of poverty.
The recent increase in tuition fees at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State by the institution’s management on August 3 for the 2020/2021 academic session, a decision it said it took at the 50th regular meeting of the institution’s Governing Council on June 1 is one that can halt the education of many students.
Now, returning indigene students will pay N67, 925. 00 while indigene students will pay N129, 675.00 and returning non-Indigene students will pay N117, 325.00 while new non indigent students will pay N201, 210.00. It is even higher for foreign students; returning foreign students will pay N266, 760.00, while new foreign students will pay N339, 625.00.
The increment has generated reactions, especially on the timing considering the harsh economic realities in the nation at present. The ratio of increment is alarming and I urge the school authorities to reconsider their stance.
The government should intervene too because the sudden increment will create monumental problems for students and their parents. Though the management of the institution headed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, addressed the public on Prestige FM, Minna, where he explained that the increment was due to major challenges facing the university, this explanation has in no way made life easier for the students.
Despite the demonstrations from both the students and Student Union Government of the school, no tangible step has been taken by the management and the Niger State Government.
The fact is that something must be done to tackle the matter urgently because of its adverse effects and consequences.
By Abdullahi Abdulhadi Akorede
abdullahiabdulhadi96@gmail.com
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