PM NEWS
The National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke and some students have said the recent hike in fees by federal government owned universities may lead to withdrawal of indigent students.
Osodeke spoke against the backdrop of the recent hike in fess of Unity Colleges and some first generation public tertiary institutions in the country.
The ASUU President said the hike in fees could be counterproductive.
He, however, urged the government to find a safe landing for students who he described as the nation’s future leaders.
Osodeke said that the best way out to issues was to adopt holistic approach, noting that policies should be people centred.
“I think the whole thing now boils down to the parents. These have been part of our agitations. We were fighting on the need to right some wrongs, but rather than get support, we were attacked.
“It may interest you to know that UNILAG is not the only tertiary institution that has hiked fees in recent times.
“The likes of Bayero University Kano, Benin and Abuja among others, have all done the same. What this will translate to, is for children of the poor to withdraw from school.
“However, we should be mindful of the inherent danger that may accompany such development, when it comes to vices, especially among youth. It could become a willing pool to recruit from. It is indeed sad.
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