The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is urging the management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Osun State to reduce tuition fees by 50%. NANS strongly condemns OAU’s decision to increase fees, despite orders from the Presidency and the House of Representatives to refrain from doing so.
According to NANS National Public Relations Officer, Giwa Yisa Temitope, they have been closely monitoring the situation at OAU, where the university management insists on raising fees, despite protests and demands from the Students’ Union for a 50% reduction. NANS believes that students are essential stakeholders in educational institutions, and their demands should be considered, emphasizing the need for democratic decision-making within universities.
NANS finds it concerning that, at a time when poverty levels in the country are high, the government seems to be indirectly increasing education costs, which could limit access to education for Nigerian youth. They believe that the government’s statements about fee increments are an attempt to distance themselves from the issue.
In solidarity with the students of OAU, NANS calls on the university management to heed the reasonable request for a 50% fee reduction as proposed by the Students’ Union. They emphasize unity in their stance on this matter.
