NAAT Condemns 200% Increase in Tuition Fees, Dissolution of Universities Governing Boards

Source: Daily post

NAAT Condemns 200% Increase in Tuition Fees, Dissolution of Universities Governing Boards

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has expressed concern over the recent 200% increase in tuition fees and charges in federal universities. The association said that the increase is unfair to poor students and may lead to them dropping out of school.

NAAT also condemned the dissolution of universities governing boards by the federal government. The association said that the dissolution is a setback for the growth and development of Nigeria's tertiary education system.

In a statement issued by its president, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, NAAT said: "We are worried and concerned too with the recent development regarding the increase in fees and charges in our Federal Institutions particularly Universities. This development may compel many of our students to drop out of school, occasioned by the current economic hardship facing parents and lack of adequate resources to meet up with economic demands."

The association said that it is aware that over 200% increase in fees and charges are now being imposed by universities authorities. NAAT appealed to the government to consider the plight of the poor and rescind the decision by returning to the status quo until the loan issue is properly addressed.

On the dissolution of universities governing boards, NAAT said: "The dissolution of the governing boards of universities is a setback for the growth and development of Nigeria's Tertiary Education. The union argued that the dissolution would cripple the activities of the country's tertiary institutions especially in the areas of promotion, motivation, welfare, contracts and project documentation as well as laboratory facilities for practical and research."

The association said that it is of the view that the action of the government contravened the Act that established federal institutions and does not conform to the Miscellaneous Act of 2003 as amended which provides a statutory tenure of Governing Council of tertiary institutions and so cannot be dissolved at will like other Boards.

NAAT urged the government to reinstate the dissolved governing boards immediately so as not to create a vacuum in the management of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The association also welcomed the student loans scheme signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. NAAT said that the loan scheme will help to alleviate the financial burden on parents and students and will enable more people to access tertiary education.

The association called on the government to ensure the effective implementation of the loan scheme so that it can achieve its desired goals.

If this article is helpful click the link below to Join our Whatsapp group for more info.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7M27q8xFQs0rkcN5H15