NANS Vows to Combat Arbitrary Tuition Fee Hikes and Ensure Reversal
Comrade Emonefe criticized the unreasonable spike in fees, especially in the context of the economic challenges faced by Nigerians due to fuel subsidy removal. He endorsed the protest by University of Calabar students against a 100% tuition fee increase and insisted that institutions must adhere to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive to halt any form of fee increase.
The newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the recent arbitrary increment in tuition fees by various tertiary institutions, particularly public universities. NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, expressed this stance during a press conference in Abuja, emphasizing their commitment to reversing such fee hikes.
Comrade Emonefe criticized the unreasonable spike in fees, especially in the context of the economic challenges faced by Nigerians due to fuel subsidy removal. He endorsed the protest by University of Calabar students against a 100% tuition fee increase and insisted that institutions must adhere to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive to halt any form of fee increase.
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The President warned that NANS would take decisive action against institutions found to have embarked on arbitrary fee hikes. Emonefe assured Nigerian students that the association would establish a committee to monitor such institutions and ensure compliance with the President's order.
In addition to addressing the tuition fee issue, Emonefe outlined his plans for NANS, focusing on maintaining the organization's integrity and prioritizing students' interests. He pledged to work towards a strong, focused, and undivided NANS.
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Meanwhile, four presidential candidates from the recent NANS national convention and the Council of Zonal Coordinators affirmed Comrade Lucky Emonefe as the duly elected President of NANS. The candidates, including Edom Smart John, Stephen Edidiong Tobi, Boniface Emesowun, and Enomfon Umoisien, urged unity and collaboration to build a robust NANS.
The press conference concluded with a call for those disputing the election results, particularly Comrade Pedro Chibuzor Obi, to cease any agitation and contribute to the organization's solidarity and progress.