The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is calling on the federal government to intervene swiftly to prevent fee hikes and unjust policies in tertiary institutions across the nation.
This plea comes in response to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike’s decision to bar students who haven’t fully paid their fees from taking examinations.
Expressing concern over the situation, NANS President Lucky Emonefe urged the university management to reconsider its stance and seek fairer alternatives that don’t disadvantage students based on their financial circumstances.
NANS highlighted the distressing impact of such policies, especially amidst the current economic hardships facing many Nigerian families, where full fee payment may be challenging.
By denying students the chance to sit exams, their academic prospects are endangered, contradicting the principle of equal educational access.
NANS called upon the Minister of Education to intervene, ensuring all tertiary institutions uphold equitable and inclusive policies regarding fees and exams.
In a statement, NANS emphasized the fundamental right to education, stressing that every student deserves a level playing field for academic success, irrespective of financial background.
They underscored that such unfair conditions during exams undermine fairness and hinder the goal of providing quality education.
The student body urges the management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, to reconsider their decision and explore alternatives that uphold fairness and inclusivity.