Increment of School Fees in Nigeria Federal Universities: A Debacle to Western Education and Orchestral of Criminality -By David Taiwo Ashaolu

Introduction:

Education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of economic and social development. In Nigeria, access to quality education remains a challenge, especially in the public sector. One of the critical issues facing this sector is the incessant increment of school fees, which has far-reaching consequences for students. This essay will examines the case study of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna state, where school fees have recently been increased from #32,000-35,000 to #114,500 to #187,000 respectively, causing concerns about the potential negative impact on education outcomes and social well-being.

The drastic increase in school fees, particularly in tertiary institutions, poses a significant challenge to students, their families, and the overall educational system. The sudden and substantial increment places an undue burden on students who come from low-income backgrounds, resulting in a decline in enrollment rates and increased dropout rates. The consequences of this problem are multifaceted and affect various aspects of the educational system and society as a whole.

Consequences:

1. High Dropout Rates: The exorbitant increase in school fees will lead to a surge in dropouts as students who can no longer afford the fees will be unable to continue their education. This will have long-term consequences on individual prospects and national development.

2. Criminal Engagement: When students are unable to afford the increased fees, some may resort to engaging in criminal activities to meet their financial obligations. This can lead to an upsurge in crime rates within and around the university campus, harming both the academic and local community.

3. Diminished Access to Education: The increment in fees widens the educational inequality gap, limiting access to education for deserving individuals from low-income backgrounds. This undermines the principles of equal opportunities and social justice, fostering a society divided by educational attainment.

Suggested strategies:

1. Dialogue and Engagement: Both students and educational stakeholders, including the university management, need to engage in constructive dialogue to find alternative solutions to the issue of school fees increment. This can involve discussions around scholarship schemes, government interventions, and fundraising mechanisms.

2. Government Intervention: The Nigerian government, through its regulatory bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), should actively intervene to regulate the increment of school fees. This can be achieved by implementing policies that ensure the affordability of education and the preservation of the quality of tertiary institutions.

3. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Non-governmental organizations, alumni associations, and other stakeholders should be actively involved in finding sustainable solutions to the problem. Their expertise and resources can be harnessed to establish scholarship programs, endowment funds, and initiatives that support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sociologically, the sum of #32,000 to #114,500 is not only shocking but also alarming. This enormous increment will undoubtedly lead to adverse consequences such as dropouts, criminal engagement, and other ugly social maladies indulgences. Thus, I will delve deeper into the problem, discuss its consequences, propose possible strategies, and call on concerned educational bodies like the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and other stakeholders to take immediate action.

The problem of skyrocketing school fees in Nigerian Federal Universities, specifically at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna state, is a matter of grave concern. The sudden increment from #32,000-35,000 to #114,500 is an alarming 328% increase. This significant rise has left many students and their families struggling to afford education, which ultimately undermines the accessibility and affordability of quality education in the country. Such a sharp hike in fees places an incredible burden on students, especially those from low-income backgrounds like me, who may be forced to abandon their education dreams altogether.

The consequences of this exorbitant fee increment are far-reaching and detrimental to the overall educational landscape of the country. The first and most obvious consequence is the potential increase in the number of students dropping out of higher education institutions. Many students who were barely able to afford the previous fees will find it nearly impossible to continue their studies at the university. This, in turn, will reduce the number of educated individuals in the country and hinder its development.

In furtherance, the increment of school fees may push some financially constrained students to engage in criminal activities. When faced with limited options and mounting pressure, desperate students may resort to illegal activities in an attempt to make ends meet. This can lead to a rise in social maladies such as theft, fraud, drug abuse, and even involvement in extremist groups. The consequences of such actions on the students themselves, as well as on society as a whole, are devastating and cannot be ignored.

To address this issue, it is crucial for relevant educational bodies, government officials, and stakeholders to come together and develop strategies that promote accessible and affordable education. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), as one of the leading educational bodies in the country, should advocate for the rights of students and exert pressure on the government to review and regulate school fees in higher institutions. The National Universities Commission (NUC) should also play a pivotal role in ensuring that universities adhere to a fair and reasonable fee structure that takes into account the socio-economic realities of the students.

Additionally, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) must actively voice the concerns of the students affected by these fee increments. They should organize protests and engage in discussions with educational authorities to demand a reversal of drastic fee hikes and the implementation of policies that prioritize affordable education.

In culmination, the increment of school fees in Nigeria’s Federal Universities, particularly at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna state, poses a significant threat to Western education. The enormous hike from #32,000-35,000 to #114,500 is exorbitant and will undoubtedly lead to consequences such as dropouts, criminal engagement, and other social maladies indulgences. It is imperative that concerned educational bodies, along with government officials and stakeholders, take immediate action to address this issue. We call on the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and other stakeholders to work collaboratively towards a solution that ensures accessible and affordable education in the country. To address this issue, it is imperative that dialogue, government intervention, and collaboration with stakeholders are prioritized. Only through concerted efforts can the negative consequences be mitigated, ensuring that education remains accessible and affordable for all.

Call to Action:

We urge concerned educational bodies like the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT),

National Universities Commission (NUC), and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to take immediate action in addressing the increment of school fees. Additionally, other stakeholders, including NGOs, alumni associations, and philanthropists, should step up their involvement through scholarship programs and other initiatives to support deserving students. By working together, we can ensure that Western education in Nigeria remains accessible, affordable, and of high quality for generations to come.

Cc:

His excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) Federal republic of Nigeria 🇳🇬

Minister of Education, Hon. Tahir Maman

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, SAN. Lateef Fagbemi

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Ali Pate

Minister of State Education, Hon .Yusuf T. Sunumu

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Betta Edu

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Atiku Bagudu

Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Tunisia Alausa

Minister of Youth, Hon. Abubakar Momoh

Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo among others.