House of Representatives Calls for Suspension of School Fee Hikes

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend recent increases in school fees by public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, who expressed concerns that some institutions had raised fees and compulsory charges by over 100 percent without adequate consultation.

The lawmakers warned that these hikes could disproportionately affect students from poor families and undermine the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides interest-free loans to support students. The House directed its committees on University Education, Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, and Federal Colleges of Education to investigate the fee increases and assess their justification.

They emphasized the importance of education for national development and noted that unchecked fee increases could lead to more students abandoning their studies, potential unrest on campuses, and diminished public confidence in the government's commitment to affordable education. The House urged increased financial support for public tertiary institutions to lessen their reliance on school fees.