The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 78-hour ultimatum to the acting Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University, Professor Sani Yauta, to reverse the recent 120% school fee increase or face mass protests. The student body, citing the severe economic hardship on Nigerian parents, vowed to occupy the university premises until the decision is overturned. In a statement obtained by Arewa PUNCH, NANS National Vice President, External Affairs, Senator Mu’azu Hina, condemned the fee increment, describing it as an unjustified burden that would deepen financial hardships for students and their families.
Hina noted that the decision could potentially lead to a decline in student enrollment, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds, who may be forced to drop out due to financial constraints. The union has pledged to mobilise students and stakeholders in a coordinated effort to resist the fee hike, emphasising that Education should remain accessible to all, regardless of economic status. The association insisted that the university must engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders to find sustainable alternatives to raising tuition.
Experts link high dropout rates to high school fees burden.
According to Hina, the planned protests will continue until the university administration rescinds its decision. He further warned that if the ultimatum is ignored, the association would move its secretariat to Gombe State University as part of its resistance strategy. The backlash against the fee increment comes amid widespread concerns over the country’s increasing number of out-of-school children, currently estimated at over 18 million. Education experts and advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that high tuition fees are a major contributor to the problem, making it difficult for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education.
Recent data from UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Bank indicate that Nigeria has witnessed a 36.5% rise in out-of-school children between 2000 and 2022. The figure has jumped from 6.4 million in 2000 to over 10.2 million in 2022, with the Northeast and Northwest regions being the most affected. The data also reveals that Poverty remains the leading cause, followed by gender inequality and socio-cultural norms discouraging formal education. Reports indicate that 12.4 million Nigerian children have never attended school, while 5.9 million have dropped out due to various financial and societal pressures. An overwhelming 86% of out-of-school children are from rural areas, with 65% coming from the poorest households.
Economic disparities and the struggles of low-income families.
High school fees contribute to school dropouts and exacerbate socioeconomic disparities. Parents, particularly those in lower-income communities, struggle to afford school fees, forcing many students to abandon their education. The financial burden on families is further compounded by the rising cost of living, making it increasingly difficult for them to prioritise education over basic survival needs. In many cases, even private schools that charge exorbitant fees fail to provide quality education. This commercialisation of education raises concerns about profit-driven motives taking precedence over academic excellence.
Meanwhile, the lack of adequate Investment in public education has left families with limited options, often pushing them towards expensive alternatives that do not guarantee better learning outcomes. As a result, its effect extends beyond accessibility—it also impacts students’ academic performance. Studies have shown that financial stress can negatively affect concentration and overall academic achievement. Many students from struggling households are forced to juggle academics with side jobs to support their education, leading to burnout and poor performance.
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To address these challenges, the federal and state governments must provide Subsidies for students from low-income families to ease financial constraints. Additionally, stricter regulations on Private School fees could help curb excessive charges, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. In addition, investments in public education infrastructure, Teacher training, and scholarship programs for underprivileged students are also crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of high tuition fees. Policymakers have been urged to develop sustainable funding models for universities that do not disproportionately burden students and their families.