An Open letter to the Federal Ministry of Education: An Urgent Appeal Regarding High Increment of Students’ School Fees in Tertiary Institutions and Its Implications on Poor Nigerian Students -By David Taiwo Ashaolu

Dear Honorable Minister,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing concern that is currently affecting the education system in our beloved country. It has come to my attention that there has been a significant increase in students’ school fees in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. This alarming trend is having severe implications on the already struggling poor Nigerian students who have worked tirelessly to secure admission and are now at risk of dropping out due to the exorbitant fees.I am a victim not of circumstances but nobody has no choices over the social class to be born into.

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the efforts made by your esteemed ministry to improve the quality of education in our country. However, it is crucial to recognize that the recent spike in school fees is creating an insurmountable barrier for students from low-income backgrounds who aspire to pursue higher education. These students have already faced numerous challenges in their journey to secure admission, and the burden of exorbitant fees threatens to derail our dreams and aspirations.

The implications of this school fees increment are far-reaching and detrimental to the overall development of our nation. By imposing such financial burdens on students, we risk perpetuating a cycle of poverty and hindering social mobility. Education should be a fundamental right accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background. It is disheartening to witness talented and deserving individuals being denied the opportunity to further their education due to financial constraints.

In light of this grave concern, I humbly request your urgent intervention to address this issue. Here are some suggested solutions that can help alleviate the burden faced by poor Nigerian students:

Review and Regulation: Conduct a comprehensive review of the current fee structures in tertiary institutions and implement regulations to ensure that fee increments are fair, reasonable, and considerate of the economic realities faced by students and their families.

Financial Aid and Scholarships: Increase the availability and accessibility of scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages for deserving students from low-income backgrounds. This will enable them to afford the increased fees and continue their education without undue financial strain.

Collaboration with Private Sector: Foster partnerships with private sector organizations to establish scholarship funds and sponsorship programs specifically targeted at supporting financially disadvantaged students. Encourage corporate social responsibility initiatives that prioritize education and invest in the future of our nation.

Transparent Fee Structure: Ensure transparency in fee structures by providing detailed breakdowns of how the increased fees will be utilized to enhance the quality of education and student welfare. This will help build trust among students and their families, knowing that their financial contributions are being utilized effectively.

Strengthening Public Funding: Advocate for increased public funding for education, particularly in tertiary institutions, to reduce the reliance on students’ fees as a primary source of revenue. This will help alleviate the burden on students and ensure that education remains affordable and accessible to all.

Honorable Minister, I implore you to consider these suggestions and take immediate action to address this pressing issue. The future of our nation depends on the education and empowerment of our youth. By ensuring that every deserving student has access to quality education, we can foster a more equitable society and drive sustainable development.

I kindly request an opportunity to discuss this matter further with you or a representative from your ministry. I am confident that together, we can find viable solutions that prioritize the welfare and educational opportunities of our Nigerian students.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to a positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Sociologist ASHAOLU, David Taiwo

(De Egalitarian).

A penultimate student of Sociology and Anthropology of prestigious

Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria.

ashaoludavid0311@gmail.com

08107648255

Cc:

Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)

Teachers’ Registration Commission Nigeria (TRCN)

Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND)

National Universities Commission (NUC)

National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA)

Nigerian Educational Planning and Research Development Centre (NERDC)

National Teachers’ Institute (NTI)

National Commission for Colleges of 1989 Education (NCCE)…