Once again, students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have taken to the streets, marking their second protest within a week to express their discontent with the recent tuition fee hike at the institutions, in solidarity in their counterparts from other universities.
Chanting slogans, the protesters gathered to emphasize the pressing need for the university authorities to reconsider the fee adjustments.
The demonstration saw a notable presence of both the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Students participating in the protest were resolute, vowing to continue their demonstrations until their school fees are reverted to their previous levels. They argued that the fee increases lack empathy and place undue financial burdens on them.
In addition to their demands for fee reduction, the students called upon the Federal Government to channel the funds generated from subsidy removal towards investments in education, rather than allowing further fee hikes.
UNILAG had previously announced the tuition fee increments for both new and returning undergraduate students in July, citing the prevailing economic conditions as the rationale behind the decision.
As a new academic season unfolds in 2023, Nigerian parents are grappling with the far-reaching consequences of the recent removal of petrol subsidies. The resulting increase in school fees and tuition costs has sent shockwaves through households across the nation.
This article by our correspondent, VIVIAN MICHAEL, delves into the challenges faced by parents as they navigate the intricate web of the current economic situation while ensuring their children receive an education.
The Annual September Dilemma: For many Nigerian parents, September has become a month of dread. It marks the start of the new academic year, ushering in a season fraught with financial implications. The return of millions of students to school after a long vacation compounds the pressure of back-to-school expenses, particularly for students progressing to higher grades.
However, the academic year of 2023 bears an unprecedented burden. The removal of petrol subsidies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu merely three months ago, coupled with the fluctuating value of the naira, has thrust parents into a financial dilemma. They are now expected to pay nearly double the fees they have grown accustomed to.
As schools at all levels reopen nationwide, parents are grappling with the immense financial pressure they face. The hike in school fees and the escalating prices of essential items have exacerbated their struggles. Income levels have largely remained stagnant, and the country’s inflexible economy has exacerbated the hardship experienced by its citizens.
Small-scale businesses, a significant source of livelihood for many, continue to be hampered by erratic power supply, forcing them to rely on costly fuel-powered generators. Adding to the woes, salaries have remained unchanged. To compound the situation, schools now require parents to provide bank payment evidence before admitting their children, further straining already stretched budgets.
Uncertain Grace Periods and Financial Stress: Parents express concerns about whether schools will extend the customary grace period of two weeks after resumption before sending ‘defaulting’ children home. The mere thought of paying these escalated fees, along with the accompanying expenses for educational materials, is enough to elevate the blood pressure of many parents during this time.
Private School vs. Public School Debate: Families with children in private schools criticize the government’s allocation of priorities. They argue that government schools lack essential instructional materials and motivated teachers, leading to the burden of exorbitant fees in private institutions. The prevailing sentiment is that those who desire the best education for their children do not patronize public schools due to their dire condition.
Some parents have reacted to this predicament by transferring their children from private to public schools, where fees are substantially lower. Others have opted for schools with reduced fees.
The Heart-Wrenching Dilemma of Roseline Agboola: Roseline Agboola, a 45-year-old civil servant and mother of three, shares her lamentations about the soaring cost of school fees as students prepare to return to school. She considers withdrawing her children from a private school due to the fee increase. However, a friend who teaches in a public school advises against it, citing inadequate facilities for a conducive learning environment. Roseline finds herself in a daunting situation, forced to struggle to pay the new fees, which have risen dramatically. Her predicament is echoed by many parents who, like her, rely solely on their salaries.
Rita Obi’s Shocking Financial Reality: Mrs. Rita Obi, also a civil servant, is astonished by the drastic price increase for her two-year-old school bus service, which has risen from N15,000 to N35,000—a staggering 100% increment. While she acknowledges the economic challenges, Rita is disheartened by the unexpected surge in expenses, emphasizing the need for divine grace and enablement to cope.
Ahmed Awofolu’s Frustration and Uncertainty: Ahmed Awofolu’s frustration is palpable as he grapples with the uncertainty of how to proceed. He contemplates sacrificing the quality of education by transferring his children to a more affordable school within walking distance or accessible via inexpensive transportation. Ahmed highlights the significant expenses associated with his children’s education, from tuition to books, school bus fees, excursions, and other miscellaneous costs. He is at a loss for a solution, expressing his reliance on divine intervention and miracles to navigate this challenging period.
Olakunle Abiodun’s Plea for Government Assistance: Olakunle Abiodun, a parent with five children in school, appeals to the government for financial assistance. He acknowledges the difficulty of paying school fees for his children, particularly those in private schools. Abiodun’s family has resorted to paying fees in instalments to manage the financial strain.
Ifeoma Asika’s Optimism Amid Economic Struggles: In the midst of these economic challenges, Ifeoma Asika, a small-scale businesswoman, shares her optimism. She acknowledges that both the high and mighty are experiencing similar hardships. Ifeoma emphasizes the need for resilience, believing that people will overcome these tough times and emerge stronger. She also shares her experience of enrolling all her children in school without undue stress by discovering a school with more affordable fees.
The removal of subsidies and the economic challenges faced by Nigerian parents as they send their children back to school in 2023 paint a stark picture of their struggles. The increase in school fees, stagnant incomes, and rising costs of educational materials have placed an enormous burden on families. Some have opted to shift their children from private to public schools, while others grapple with the financial dilemma.
Parents are making difficult decisions, contemplating sacrifices, and praying for miracles as they strive to provide their children with an education. They call on the government to consider subsidies or financial support to alleviate the strain. Despite the hardships, there is resilience and hope that Nigerians will overcome these trying times and emerge stronger in the end.
The Management of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo, has announced the indefinite suspension of academic activities with immediate effect.
This is contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Otunba Mike Aladenika, and made available to the on Tuesday in Benin.
Aladenika said the suspension of activities was announced in a memo signed by the school’s Acting Registrar, Mr Ambrose Odiase.
“The suspension of academic activities became necessary following an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate in Ekpoma on Monday to appraise the continued protest by students running into days.
“In order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the university community and its environs, Senate was left with no other choice than to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities.
“To this effect, all students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the halls of residence within the next 24 hours.
“This is an indication that no student should be seen in or around the halls of residence of the University by 3.00 pm on Tuesday,” the statement said.
Aladenika further said that the 40th Matriculation Ceremony of the university scheduled to be held on Tuesday, had also been put on hold indefinitely.
Students of the university have been protesting against an alleged increase in school fees of returning students for about three days, thereby disrupting academic activities.
The protest also led to the dissolution of the Students Union Government while the school management had severally denied increase in the tuition fees of returning students.
*Task FG to sign Bill removing HND-BSc Dichotomy in Public Service
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has launched an innovative online top-up program for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, along with a dedicated portal to streamline the mobilization process for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
In an official statement released in Abuja on Monday, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, the Head of the NBTE Media Unit, disclosed these initiatives.
Abubakar detailed that one of the portals is specifically designed for HND holders seeking to attain a Bachelor’s Degree through a one-year online top-up program facilitated by accredited foreign universities.
This initiative aims to simplify the progression of HND holders toward higher academic degrees.
She highlighted the historical challenges faced by HND holders when pursuing further education, including the inability to obtain NUC approval for a two-year Master of Technology program or the necessity to undertake a one-year Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) before enrolling in a Master’s program.
This new pathway aims to address these challenges by providing a streamlined and recognized progression opportunity. The online top-up program can be accessed at https://topup.nbte.gov.ng.
Addressing another concern, Abubakar mentioned the difficulties encountered by many polytechnic HND graduates during the mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) due to admission into non-accredited programs.
To address this issue, NBTE has introduced an HND admission portal accessible to all polytechnics. The portal will exclusively display accredited programs, granting NYSC the ability to view admitted candidates eligible for mobilization.
This measure is expected to curb the admission of students into unaccredited programs and ensure adherence to quality assurance guidelines.
The statement further underscored NBTE’s appeal to the President to sign the bill aimed at removing the HND-BSc Dichotomy in the Public Service, which was passed by the previous National Assembly. This legislation seeks to eradicate unjust and unwarranted discrimination against graduates of the polytechnic system.
Abubakar emphasized the importance of providing legal backing to enhance the standing of HND holders, as they hold significant potential for driving Nigeria’s industrialization and contributing essential skills for the nation’s infrastructure development.
National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, has urged the Federal Government to review the hike in fees in its schools.
Osodeke, who was speaking against the backdrop of the recent hike in fees of Unity Colleges and some first-generation public tertiary institutions in the country, urged the government to find a safe landing for the nation’s future leaders.
According to him, the hike in fees could be counterproductive.
Recall that the University of Lagos was the latest of the public universities to increase its fees from N25,000 to almost N200,000, depending on the programme.
The university had announced an adjustment in the obligatory fees for both returning and new students of the institution, with effect from Sept 1, for the 2023/2024 academic session.
A breakdown of the fees by the institution showed that the mandatory charges for one academic session for new undergraduate students are N126, 325, for courses without a laboratory/studio.
It also approved N176,325 as mandatory charges for one academic session for courses with laboratory and studio.
A further breakdown of the approved mandatory charges for one academic year for returning students showed N100,750 for courses without a laboratory and studio, while approved mandatory charges for courses with a laboratory and studio was N140,250.
Approved charges for Medical students were put at N190,250.
The institution also fixed N20,000 as a utility charge to be paid by all undergraduate students, while a total of N30,000 was to be paid by all final-year students.
According to the university, the review came after careful deliberations with its stakeholders (students, parents/guardians, staff unions, and alumni among others).
It explained that the adjustment in fees was in view of the prevailing economic realities, for it to be able to meet its obligations to its students, staff, and municipal service providers, among others.
Osodeke said that the best way out of the issue was to adopt a holistic approach, noting that policies should be people-centred.
“I think the whole thing now boils down to the parents. These have been part of our agitations. We were fighting on the need to right some wrongs, but rather than get support, we were attacked.
“It may interest you to know that UNILAG is not the only tertiary institution that has hiked fees in recent times.
“The likes of Bayero University Kano, Benin, and Abuja among others, have all done the same. What this will translate to, is for children of the poor to withdraw from school.
“However, we should be mindful of the inherent danger that may accompany such development, when it comes to vices, especially among youth. It could become a willing pool to recruit from. It is indeed sad.
“We hope the current administration will review the whole situation and find a safe landing for these our future leaders.
“Government could set up a high-powered commission, made up of people of integrity and brain, to review all the issues, as it concerns the country’s education sector. And as I said, it has been done in the past,” the unionist said.
*Discusses girl-child education with Vice President Shettima
Pakistani female education activist, Malala Yousafzai on Wednesday visited the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where she said that education is crucial to the development of Nigeria.
Malala, who also said that she is currently in Nigeria to celebrate her 26th birthday, held talks on girl-child education with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Malala was the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate at the age of 17 and the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate; she is also a UN Messenger of Peace.
The education activist, who was accompanied by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, told State House correspondents that the visit to Nigeria was part of activities to mark her 26th birth celebration.
“I’m here in Nigeria to celebrate my 26th birthday; since my UN speech at age 16, I have been going around the world meeting girls from different parts of the world and raising awareness about the issues that girls face.
“We know that there are more than 120 million girls who do not have access to education right now and just as people spoke out about my education I want them to think about the education of other girls as well.
“In Nigeria, I am here because girls’ education is important here; it will determine the future of Nigeria.
“So, I am here because I want to bring attention to those issues; I am here to speak as well and share my thoughts with the communalities, and also lucky that I was able to meet girls in Abuja.’’
Malala said she had gone to Borno and met incredible girls, visited their schools and conferred with education activists.
According to her, it is the work of the education activists, girls, civil society and government that gives hope that there can be a better future and education, especially girls here.
The activist said that she was excited to meet the vice president who was supportive of her mission.
“I would ask here in Nigeria that all governments of states; all party members make commitment to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to a complete education, which includes senior secondary education as well.
“That every child has access to free and quality education and the second I ask is that we make full financial commitment to ensure that no child is left behind in this country.’’
Malala said that she had been to Nigeria three times and expressed optimism that the girl-child had bright prospects.
She lauded the commitment of government and other stakeholders to improving girl-child education.
“I came here in 2014 to show solidarity to the Chibok girls who had been abducted and I was able to meet their parents as well; I came here again in 2017 and I saw more of the work that activists are doing and I met girls.
“I am here again and I have seen how much has changed in the past few years and it is because of the commitment of government officials and also the work of the civil society and education activists and the determination of girls.
“I was able to meet girls and hear from them directly how they are standing up for their rights; they are not remaining silent.
“They want a better education; they want quality education for themselves; so, that is what gives me hope and that is what brings me to Nigeria, and I think that tells us that the future of Nigeria is bright if you give girls a chance and if you invest in their education,’’ she said.
On her part, Mohammed said that Malala’s visit was in furtherance of her advocacy for girl-child education.
She said that by the high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, Malala should be an inspiration for relevant authorities to address the challenge.
“Ten years ago, Malala made her speech at the UN; she is the UN Peace Messenger; this time around you decided on her 10-year anniversary she wanted to make the advocacy for education here in this country.
“We have large number of out-of-school children; we know that the quality of education in the country; this is an advocacy to an administration that is coming in; that believes in education is an important timing.
“So, her voice, her inspiration, not just to government, but the rest of society, to governors that we met yesterday, is extremely important as this administration begins its journey of the next four years,” Mohammed said.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the release of the results of the 2023 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into unity colleges.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, David Adejo, while briefing newsmen after receiving the results from the Registrar of the National Examinations Council, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, said a total of 72,865 pupils registered for the exams.
The NCEE is for admission into Junior Secondary School (JSS 1) of Federal Unity Colleges and this year’s edition was written on June 3, in Nigeria, as well as Benin Republic and Togo.
Adejo also said the examination recorded an increase in the number of female students.
“A total of 72,865 pupils registered compared to 71,738 for 2022 with Lagos State having the highest number with 18,644 and Taraba with the lowest of 102.
“With 38,801 female registrants against 34,064 males, we are making progress with bridging the gender parity. 69,829 pupils sat for the examination.
“Also 3,036 pupils were absent; 76 pupils had the highest score of 203 and the lowest score was one mark, and this was scored by six pupils,” he said.
Adejo commended NECO for ensuring a hitch–free examination saying that this indicated that the examination body was improving in the delivery of its examinations.
He assured the commitment of the Ministry of Education to ensure that all admissions processes were concluded timely.
“As you are all aware, our Federal Unity Colleges have become the first port of call for most parents in the country.
”Although we are currently facing challenges of infrastructural development, feeding and teacher quality, I want to assure you that the federal government is doing its best to ensure better conditions for effective teaching and learning in our schools,” he said.
*Give scholarships to 1,100 post-graduate students
The Kano State Government has spent N1.5 billion on payment of National Examination Council (NECO) registration fees of 57,000 students of various secondary schools in the state.
This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Ibrahim Shuaibu, the Press Secretary to the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Gwarzo, in Kano.
He said Governor Abba Yusuf made the disclosure while opening the commencement of the examinations at Rumfa College in the metropolis.
Represented by Gwarzo, Yusuf noted that payment of the fees was part of his government’s policy to reposition the educational sector for optimal performance.
He charged the benefiting students to put in their best for better results in the examination to justify the government’s huge investment in their academic pursuits.
” You need to put in your best and remain committed so that you can come up with good results on the examination, that can make the state and your family happy and proud of you,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Malam Umar Doguwa, announced that a committee was set up by the state to assess boarding schools earlier shut down with a view to reopening them.
He commended the state government for enhancing its schools’ feeding programme, saying more furniture would soon be provided to the schools.
Meanwhile, the KanoState Government has also concluded plans to sponsor 1,100 post-graduate students to study in local and overseas universities.
The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Kofar-Mata, made the disclosure at a news briefing in Kano.
The state government recently announced the opening of a portal where first-class degree holders can apply for postgraduate scholarships to study in both local and foreign universities.
Kofar-Mata said a nine-member committee has been inaugurated by the state government to screen applicants.
“We received 1,200 applications out of which over 800 were screened, including classified and unclassified degree holders.
“One thousand and one hundred students would be sponsored for the first batch. The committee is still inviting and screening the applicants.
“The restoration of this policy by the administration of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf is not only targeting the Kano citizenry to get postgraduate certificates but also to expose the youthful exuberance of our teeming youths internationally to enable them to acquire new skills,” he said.
A Group, Bluestream Educational Ltd says it is set to offer 100 percent educational scholarships and grants to Nigerian students to further their education at home and abroad.
AbdulKareem Ogirima, the Group’s Managing Director spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of an educational fair on Saturday in Abuja.
The fair was organised by the group in collaboration with some top universities in Turkey, U.S. U.K., and Canada.
Ogirima said that the gesture was part of the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), adding that Nigerian students were one of the brightest in the world and deserve quality education.
He explained that in addition to the scholarships Bluestream Educational Ltd was giving grants to students free of charge no strings attached as long as they are brilliant or show evidence that they deserve such and it is within their budget.
“Our resolve, as part of our CSR is to continue to assist students with the needed information on gaining admission, scholarships and sponsorships.
“We are indeed proud of the performances of Nigerian students and this is what spurs us to do even more.
“We are committed to solving the challenges faced by our students who are seeking admission into various universities around the world.
“So far, we have helped over 1,000 students to gain admission, and also assisted a number of them to get scholarships, this we do with our partners in the U.S., Canada, UK, Turkey, and other countries.
“This year’s edition will see us give 100 percent educational scholarships to students who perform excellently well in our in-house examinations.
“We are in partnership with some Turkish universities including; Sabanci University, Isik University, Istinye University, Istanbul Ozyegin University, Bahcesehir University, to mention a few,” he said.
He said the group also offers personalised services based on the student’s budget or academic performance (secondary school transcripts).
He added that their services also include; assisting students improve their scores in IELTS Exam organised by the British Council, TOEFL, IGCSE O & A Levels, GRE, IJMB/JUPEB, JAMB, WAEC, Adult Education, etc.
Ogirima commended the student loan policy of President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
He said that if well-articulated, the policy would go a long way in improving access to education by Nigerians just as it is done in the U.K. and U.S.
“For us in Nigeria, we are just starting but at least, we know now that the government is talking about student loans which is the way to go.
“The idea will further assist indigent students gain quality education, which is in line with the Federal Government’s policies on inclusive, affordable, and accessible education.
“Student loan is not out of place given our current realities and challenges in higher education (HE/FE) pursuit. But it has to be well articulated and domesticated with the government’s sincerity of purpose.
“It is a huge investment that should be given all the attention and seriousness it deserves,” he said.
BlueStream Group Ltd is a multinational company that focuses its services on Education, Health, Travel, and Hospitality.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has taken steps to address the case of Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme, a student who admitted to forging her JAMB score.
In a letter to the Principal of Anglican Girls Secondary School Nnewi, Governor Soludo has instructed the immediate commencement of psychological counseling and therapy sessions for Mmesoma.
The directive aligns with the recommendations of the committee set up by the state government to investigate the matter.
The committee’s report made available to journalists, reveals that Mmesoma confessed to falsifying her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result without any external assistance.
She admitted to changing her score after openly confessing to the act in the presence of her principal and the Education Secretary.
To address the situation, Governor Soludo has ordered Mmesoma to write apologies to JAMB, her school, and the Anambra State Government.
Additionally, she will undergo psychological counseling and therapy sessions facilitated by a Professor of Clinical Psychology.
This proactive approach aims to provide support and guidance to Mmesoma while addressing the consequences of her actions.
It also reflects the commitment of the Anambra State Government to uphold academic integrity and ensure the well-being of its students.
