House of Representatives has urged the National Universities Commission NUC, to immediately suspend the implementation of the proposed increase of
fees by Federal Universities across the country.
This is part of the resolutions adopted by the House in a motion by a member from Kano State Alh Aliyu Madaki, during plenary session
The House also mandated the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services (when constituted) to investigate the matter, with a view to finding lasting solutions to the challenges in the tertiary education sector.
The lawmaker expressed concern that the hike in fees by some Federal Universities across the country was occurring against the worsening poverty level, inflation and high rate of unemployment and the recent increase in fuel prices.
Alh Aliyu Madaki, observed that the increase could cause disruptions for a number of students who cannot afford the fees, saying while many of them would be forced to defer their studies, others could drop out.
He maintained that, the hike may aggravate the already volatile situation in the country 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.
The lawmaker was also worried that increased rate of university dropouts may further worsen insecurity in Nigeria as the frustrated students may find the wrong outlets to express their grievances.
He added that tertiary education was imperative in fostering growth, reducing poverty, and boosting the
prosperity of any nation.
COV/TSIBIRI
