Fee Increment Not Solution to Poor Funding in Varsities, Says CSO

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A civil society organisation (CSO), the Reform Education Nigeria, yesterday, argued that the recent move to hike school fees in some federal universities would not provide lasting solution to the issue of funding which has continued to plague government-owned institutions in the country.

The group also stressed the need for institutions to be innovative and look for alternative ways to ensure that schools remain funded irrespective of interventions by government.

In a statement which was made available to THISDAY, the CSO also called on President Bola Tinubu to release bailout funds for institutions in order to mitigate the effects of removal of fuel subsidy.

The statement titled: ‘Fee increment: Nigerian institutions must be innovative,” explained: “We at Reform Education Nigeria cannot help but lend our voice following the news of increment in charges by some Nigerian institutions most especially universities such as the University of Benin, University of Lagos, University of Maiduguri, University of Jos, among others.

“Though the news of the increment was not surprising seeing that the recent hike in the cost of living owing to the removal of subsidy on petrol has also affected the academic community.

“Of course, it is also important to note that institutions in Nigeria have remained grossly underfunded over the years and this is evident in the poor state of our institutions.”

According to the statement, “as at today, no institution in Nigeria can boast of enough academic staff, lecturers are poorly paid, dearth of infrastructural facilities to say the least.

“Recently, the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was accused of owing over N900 million worth of electricity bills by the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company.

“While successive Nigerian government over the years have continued to show their disdain for education, by failing to pay adequate attention to the education sector, Nigerians must rise to save the occasion. No nation can truly rise above its education sector.”

It noted that the idea of institutions announcing increment in fees to constantly meet up with obligations was a lazy intervention that would not be sustainable in the long run. “In saner climes, institutions are funded through endowment funds, sponsorships by philanthropists, alumni association among others.

“While it is undebatable that tertiary education in Nigeria is undoubtedly one of the cheapest in the world, it is important to note that the poor minimum wage coupled with the high level of poverty may force citizens out of school should charges continue to increase or tuition be introduced.

“While it may not be possible for some institutions to reverse their announcements, we propose that installment payments be introduced, institutions can work hand in hand with organisations to introduce work study programmes.

“The government of President Bola Tinubu should also ensure that bail-out funds are released to institutions to mitigate the effects of the subsidy.”