Agbedi Critiques Kalu's Handling of Tuition Waiver Motion

On Thursday, Fred Agbedi, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, criticized Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for inviting House Leader Prof Julius Ihonvbere to address lawmakers regarding a motion for a one-year tuition fee waiver for students in federal tertiary institutions, which had already been stepped down. Agbedi contended that this action violated House Rules, asserting that the motion was no longer open for debate.

The motion's sponsor, Ahmed Satomi (APC, Borno), had stepped down the proposal after discussions with Ihonvbere. Agbedi cited Order 8, Statute 1, challenging Kalu's decision and arguing that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) law already provided a framework for student financial support.

Kalu ruled Agbedi out of order, stating, “You are ruled out of order.” Ihonvbere later informed the House that NELFUND had disbursed N372.6 billion to students and institutions, with N192.9 billion for tuition fees and N79.7 billion for student allowances, benefiting approximately 1.66 million students.