Reps move against school fee hikes, order probe of 100% increases in public institutions

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to suspend recent school fee increases in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria, citing concerns over affordability and students’ access to education.

According to Vanguard, the lawmakers also ordered an investigation into fee increases exceeding 100% in some universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Ifeoluwa Ehindero, who criticised the increases, saying they were implemented without adequate consultation or consideration of economic hardship facing Nigerian families.

Lawmakers warned that the hikes could undermine the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), established to provide interest-free loans to financially disadvantaged students.

They expressed concerns that rising fees could trigger student dropouts, campus unrest and reduced access to higher education.

The House consequently urged the Federal Government to increase funding for public institutions to reduce dependence on student charges.

Relevant House committees were also directed to investigate the increases and determine whether they were justified.