Fee Hike: 50 Per Cent Of Varsity Students May Drop Out In Next Two Years – ASUU

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2023

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is worried over the recent hike in fees by varsities across the country, saying it may force many students out of school.

Many public universities have in recent months increased their tuition fees owing to what they described as the country’s economic realities.

While some of them have made a downward review after protests by students, the National President of ASUU Professor Emmanuel Osodeke is afraid parents/guardians would find it difficult to pay the new fees.

“Today, universities are arbitrarily increasing tuition fees,” he said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

“Is that correct in an environment today where the minimum wage is N30,000 per month and where they have to pay rent and pay heavily for transportation? And you are enforcing this thing on the students?

“As a result of this – I can assure you that you can check if nothing is done about this heavy fee being introduced all over the country today – in the next two or three years, more than 40 to 50 per cent of these students who are in school would drop out. ”
According to him, if such happens, these students would become willing tools in the hands of those who want to make the “country ungovernable”.

“That is what we are saying: create the environment we had in the ’60s and ’70s,” the ASUU chief said.

“When I was a student, the government was paying me for being a student. Let’s have an environment where the children of the poor can have access to education, not closing them. If you say school fees of N300,000, how can the children of somebody who earns N50,000 a month be able to pay such fee?”

To remedy the situation, Professor Osodeke asked the Federal Government to increase its educational budget “to at least 15 per cent from last year’s 3.8 per cent”.

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Gov Ododo’s Aide Donates N1M for Kogi Mosque Construction

Published

17 hours ago

October 12, 2024

Tunde-Olubo Bukunmi

Oladele John Nihi, the Special Adviser on Youth and Student Matters to the Kogi State Governor, has made a notable contribution of ₦1 million to aid the construction of a community mosque in his hometown, Aiyegunle Gbede.

The donation was announced during a special event held to mark the foundation-laying ceremony of the mosque, presided over by the Chief Imam of Aiyegunle Gbede, Khalifat Sheikh Abdulrasheed Saidu Arekemase.

The event also served as a fundraising opportunity for the mosque’s building committee.

Nihi, known for his strong advocacy for youth empowerment and community welfare, highlighted the significance of religious unity and peace in the region.

“This mosque will serve as a symbol of our collective values and shared humanity,” he remarked.

This act of generosity is in line with Nihi’s broader commitment to supporting various community development projects in Kogi, including initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and social upliftment.

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Matawalle Praises Sokoto Govt’s Backing of Armed Forces

Published

17 hours ago

October 12, 2024

Tunde-Olubo Bukunmi

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed gratitude to the Sokoto State Government for its unwavering support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

This commendation came during the handover of 10 operational vehicles to military forces in Sokoto.

Held at the Sokoto State Government House, the vehicles, consisting of 8 Buffalo trucks and 2 Toyota Hilux, were part of a broader collaboration between the state and the Federal Government to bolster security in the North-West region.

The latest donation follows Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s earlier contribution of 100 operational vehicles aimed at strengthening the fight against banditry and insurgency.

In a statement from Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media, Dr. Matawalle praised the Sokoto State Government, stating, “I commend the Sokoto State Government for its steadfast support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies.”

He stressed that the new vehicles would enhance the mobility and efficiency of security forces, allowing for quicker responses to threats.

“The security of our nation demands a collective effort at every level. The Sokoto State Government has consistently demonstrated its dedication to this cause,” Matawalle added.

Brigadier General I.A. Ajosin, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division, received the vehicles on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff and expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing support to military operations in the region.

Following the handover, Dr. Matawalle received an operational briefing from the Air Component of Joint Operation Hadarin Daji, detailing recent successes in neutralizing key bandit leaders through coordinated air and ground strikes.

Commending the Air Component for their precision, Dr. Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the continued success of the operation.

“Your achievements are a testament to your professionalism and dedication. Rest assured, the Federal Government will continue to provide all necessary support,” he concluded.

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