The Price of Education: Fee Hikes Threaten the Future of Nigerian Students 

By Michelle Mojisola Savage

Nigerian students are on edge. Following the 2022 8-month ASUU strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has continuously accused the federal government of neglecting their demands, particularly regarding under-funding in universities.This has left students fearing the possibility of another strike. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the universities decided to take matters into their own hands. After weeks of mounting anticipation and closed-door meetings, the shocking revelation came - an average 200% increase in school fees across all unity schools nationwide!

The Fee Hike Dilemma

As universities released their new fee structures, a collective gasp rippled through the nation as the increments surpassed expectations. For instance, the University of Jos saw fees soar from N45,000 to N213,000, while the University of Lagos experienced an increase from about N25,000 to N190,000, depending on the course of study. Even high-demand programs like Medicine and Law were not spared, with Law students at Ambrose Alli University facing a staggering increase from N185,000 to over N700,000. It's essential to note that these figures might not include additional expenses such as faculty and departmental fees, textbooks, and accommodation, which have also seen significant increases of at least 200%.  For students from low-income backgrounds already struggling to make ends meet, this is nothing short of an overwhelming burden.

Who is to blame? 

Amidst the chaos and finger-pointing, the answer seems clear - the federal government. The education sector received a meagre 5.3% allocation in the 2023 budget, a far cry from the 20% recommended by the United Nations. What’s more, only a fraction of that percentage was allocated to funding universities. With education funding dwindling and inflation soaring, it's no wonder that universities had no choice but to seek internal funding,  passing the financial strain on to already burdened masses.

Student Loans

A glimmer of hope emerged with the proposal of student loans. Alas, the light was quickly snuffed out as students discovered the loans came with stringent requirements that were near impossible for many to meet. Disillusioned and frustrated, students now feel backed into a corner, with no way out. Many are planning to take to the streets to voice their grievances, as the fee hike scheduled for the 2023/2024 session raises concerns that numerous students might not be able to  continue their studies. The prevailing economic situation in the country, characterized by low exchange rates, poor policies, and record-high inflation, already places immense strain on Nigerian families. If this hike is not halted, the struggle to meet daily needs may overshadow the pursuit of education, making it even harder for students to pursue their dreams.

An Uncertain Future 

Sadly, the future appears bleak for millions of Nigerian students. Without adequate funding and accessible education, countless aspirations will be flushed down the drain, resulting in dire long-term consequences for both the students and the nation as a whole. The voices of Nigerian students cry out to be heard, for their dreams and hopes are at stake. Now more than ever, the government must stop toying with the future, because only by investing in the education of its youth can Nigeria hope to progress and thrive on the global stage.