The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged President Bola Tinubu to dismiss the Vice Chancellors (VCs) of three major universities over their alleged plans to increase tuition fees. In a statement issued by NANS Senate President, Afeez Akinteye, the association condemned the proposed fee hikes by the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the University of Ibadan (UI).
NANS emphasized that any such increase would sabotage the Federal Government's Student Loan Scheme, which was designed to make higher education more accessible to Nigerian students. The association noted that these fee hikes would discourage students from benefiting from the loan scheme, which aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families.
Akinteye stated, “We strongly condemn the recent moves by some Vice Chancellors across universities in Nigeria, including UNILAG, OAU, and UI, who are reportedly planning unjustifiable increments in tuition and other fees. These actions are clearly designed to frustrate the successful implementation of the Federal Government’s newly introduced Student Loan Scheme.”
He further highlighted that the Student Loan Scheme was established to relieve financial pressure on Nigerian students, many of whom face significant barriers in accessing quality education. Rather than supporting this initiative, the leadership of these universities appears to be undermining it with their fee increases.
“These planned increases are not only insensitive but also represent a deliberate attempt to sabotage the future of Nigerian students,” Akinteye added. NANS called on President Tinubu to immediately investigate this issue and take decisive action, including the dismissal of the VCs involved. The association stressed that any justification for raising fees under the guise of institutional development or financial constraints would not be accepted by the Nigerian student body.
NANS also appealed to the public, parents, and education stakeholders to join in resisting these fee increments, insisting that education should remain affordable and accessible to all, not used as a tool for exploitation. The statement concluded by reiterating NANS' commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian students and ensuring the successful implementation of the Student Loan Scheme without unnecessary hindrances.
