The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed strong disapproval towards the presidency’s recent remarks regarding the surge in tuition fees, labeling it as deceptive and misleading.
In response to the public outcry over the increase in school fees, the presidency, represented by Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Communication, refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu was responsible for the tuition fee hike in federal government-owned universities.
Alake clarified that the decision to raise fees was at the discretion of each university, and that they have the autonomy to determine charges for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory usage, and other related expenses, which are not classified as direct school fees.
Nevertheless, NANS released a statement through its National Public Relations Officer, Giwa Temitope, expressing skepticism towards the presidency’s response.
The student association accused the presidency of attempting to obscure the true extent of the crises faced by students due to the actions of the Federal Government and tertiary institutions.
The ongoing dispute highlights the continuing tension between students’ interests and government policies, raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of higher education in Nigeria.