NANS Refutes Blackmail Allegations by UNILAG, Vows to Resist Fee Hike Plans

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has dismissed recent claims by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) management, alleging that the union endorsed an increase in tuition fees. NANS described the accusation as a baseless attempt to justify the fee hike and insisted that it has never agreed to any such increment.

In a statement issued by Comrade Akinteye Afeez Babatunde, the President of the Senate, NANS Headquarters, the union categorically denied the allegations. “We categorically deny any agreement to an annual upward review of student fees. The claim that student representatives accepted this proposal is false, and we strongly denounce any attempt to use this misinformation to justify fee increases that burden students and their families,” he said.

The student body maintained its opposition to the proposed fee hike, which it described as an attempt to exploit students and their families. It expressed concerns about how the increase would significantly impact thousands of Nigerian youths' access to education. The union also criticized the suggestion by UNILAG management that students who find hostel fees unaffordable should consider off-campus accommodation, describing it as an insensitive stance that disregards the financial challenges faced by students.

Warning that it would not tolerate any form of exploitative fee increments, NANS threatened to take decisive action if the fee hike is implemented. “If UNILAG proceeds with implementing the fee hike, we will take action. We will convene a National Congress on UNILAG’s campus, which will not disband until the Students’ Union Government (SUG) is reinstated and a genuine fee review process is implemented,” the union stated.

The planned National Congress aims to unite students from across Nigeria to demand fair treatment, emphasizing NANS' commitment to affordable and quality education. The union also warned of a potential shutdown of the institution if the administration remains inflexible in its stance on fee increments.

“The cost of education in Nigeria cannot continue to escalate unchecked, particularly when students receive little to no improvement in facilities or services, as demonstrated by the ongoing issues with basic amenities on campus,” NANS noted.

The student union called on the UNILAG management to engage in transparent dialogue and adopt a responsible approach that prioritizes students' welfare and academic success. NANS stressed that education is a right, not a privilege, and vowed to ensure that the voices of Nigerian students are heard, advocating for equitable and fair access to education.

The union urged all stakeholders to recognize the critical nature of the situation and join the fight for students’ rights, warning that any attempt to undermine students' interests would be met with united resistance from the student body nationwide.