House of Reps urges suspension of school fee hikes

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend proposed increases in school fees at public tertiary institutions and to enhance funding for these institutions. This resolution arose from a motion sponsored by Ifeoluwa Ehindero, the member representing Akoko-South West/Akoko-South East Federal Constituency of Ondo State, during a plenary session.

The motion highlighted the negative implications of rising tuition fees on students and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Ehindero, who chairs the House Committee on NELFUND, warned that sudden fee hikes, some exceeding 100 percent, were implemented without adequate consultation and could jeopardize the objectives of NELFUND.

He expressed concern that unchecked fee increases might lead to significant disparities in education loan allocations, increased student dropouts, and campus unrest. Following a supportive vote, the House urged the Federal Government to consider increasing financial support for public tertiary institutions.