The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to suspend the proposed increase in school fees at federal government universities.
This resolution followed a motion moved by Aliyu Madaki during Tuesday’s session.
Madaki highlighted that despite the deteriorating economic situation and rising poverty levels in the country, some universities have raised tuition fees by up to 200%.
Additionally, hostel fees have been increased by 50% to 100%. The universities implementing these fee hikes include Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Uyo, the University of Maiduguri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and Federal University, Dutse, among others.
Madaki emphasized that these fee hikes are occurring amidst increasing poverty rates, inflation, high unemployment rates, and the recent fuel price increase.
In response, the House urged the National Universities Commission to immediately halt the implementation of the fee hikes at federal universities.
Furthermore, the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services, once constituted, has been mandated to investigate the fee increases across federal universities in the country.
The committee will aim to identify lasting solutions to the challenges facing the tertiary education sector.
This call by the House of Representatives seeks to address the concerns raised by the exorbitant fee hikes in federal universities.
By urging the suspension of these increases, the House aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and ensure equitable access to quality education in the face of economic challenges.