Reps Ask NUC To Suspend Implementation Of Universities’ Fee Hike

The House of Representatives has pleaded with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to suspend the implementation of an increase in the tuition fees of universities.

This was contained in a motion by Aliyu Sani Madaki, who stated that the universities that increased their tuition are Bayero University, Kano; the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; the University of Uyo; University of Maiduguri; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; and Federal University, Dutse, among others.

Lawmakers in the green chamber were bothered that the increase in fees by the universities was happening against the worsening poverty level in the country, inflation, high rate of unemployment, and the recent fuel price hike.

They feared that the increase could cause disruptions for a number of students who could not afford the fees and that while many of them would be forced to defer their studies, others could drop out.

The lawmakers added that the increase might worsen the already volatile situation in Nigeria as students were already making threats which could lead to an uprising against the Federal Government, with grievous consequences for the country as a whole.