By Christiana Ekpa
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 the country.
The house equally 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.
The House resolutions was sequel to a motion by a member from Kano state Mr Aliyu Madaki, during plenary.
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.
Hon. 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 worriedthat 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.
