The Kano axis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has released a statement sharply condemning the new tuition fee increase at Northwest University, Kano, saying it’s unconscionable and would harm socially and economically disadvantaged students.
A press release issued by Comrade Abdulganiyu Shehu Dalhatu, Chairman of the NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC), Kano Axis, said the students’ group expressed, “shock and disgust” over the University’s new tuition of over 300 percent when many families in Nigeria are facing hardship, and characterized the increase as “outwardly insensitive” and a “violation of the right to accessible and affordable education.”
NANS said the increment cannot stand because if it did, then many students would not be able to stay in school and students in Kano would be unable to learn and it would severely damage the Kano State Government intentions to develop education.
NANS said “this was contrary to the ₦168.4 billion budget to the educational sector for 2025 or 31% of the total state budget revenue and our earlier declaration of emergency in education situation.
“The university management and Kano State Government should realize that education is a right, not a privilege for rich people,” the release stated.
NANS leadership immediately demanded a reversal of the tuition increment and a return to the previous tuition rate.
The statement also asked for clarification and the implementation of the previously-stated 50% discount for students in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Furthermore, the statement told the Kano State Government to act quickly to align its education policies with the economic realities for the common man.
Comrade Dalhatu stated that the association is committed to fighting for the rights and welfare of students and warned that if their demands are not met, the students will be mobilized by the union in peaceful assemblies, shutting down academic activities, and any other lawful process.
CREDIT; DAILY POST