Education
300% tuition hike: Parents demand FUL VC’s sack
***urge FG intervention
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Parents who have their wards in the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) have called on the federal government to prevail on the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi to reverse the over 300 percent hike in the tuition fees.
Mr Moses Abraham, spokesperson of the parents who trooped out to NUJ Press Centre on Tuesday in Lokoja, told newsmen that the Management of the institution did not take due cognizance of the current economic situation in the country to effect the hike.
“The Vice Chancellor is a civil servant and we expected that he should be aware of the current economic doldrum the people of this country are passing through recently.
The Parents decried the almost 300 per cent “arbitrary” increase in tuition fees newly introduced by the management of the institution.
Abraham said the parents would soon take to the streets in protest as they swore to continue until the management of the university reversed itself over the increment.
He said the increment in school fees, which is almost 300 percent, was aimed at denying indigent Nigerian masses and their children the opportunity to get university education.
According to Abraham, remedial courses which had N50,000 tuition are now N100,000 while fees for fresh undergraduates intake which, formerly N56,000, is now N188,500.
“The fees for new intake Art/Social Sciences hitherto N55,000 has been increased to N183,500 just as returning students are expected to pay N113,000 against the former fees of N47,000.
“Student accommodation per bed space which was charged for N20,000 before has been hiked by the Vice Chancellor to N60,000 while the GST handbook sold to students at N1,500 per copy now N6,500”, he said.
“We therefore call on the Federal Government through the Minister of Education, to prevail on the Vice Chancellor to reverse the hike in the fees before he collapse the only Federal University in Kogi state.
“How can people pay their children’s school fees with the current increment when sources of income remain stagnant?” he queried.
Another parent who expressed her feelings over the hike in fees, Mrs Florence Anachebi said, “When the Federal Government established the university few years ago we were happy.
“But the current Vice Chancellor wants to deny us the opportunity to train our children because since he came he has virtually increased all charges and now the school fees”.
Reacting to the development, the Public Relation Officer of the university, Mr Daniel Ikechukwu said the increase was yet to be made official though it has already reflected on the school portal.
“It is important for parents, students and the public to give us benefit of the doubt and be patient before the official release of any document to that effect before any body can complain”, he said. (Ends)
Education
In Response to Viral Bullying Incident, FG Suspends 13 FGC Enugu Students
The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu for six weeks following an alleged bullying incident that was widely circulated on social media.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who emphasized that safety and discipline are paramount in federal schools.
According to Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, the incident involved a gang assault on an SS1 day student and raised serious concerns about student welfare at FGC Enugu.
The viral video prompted the ministry to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate, leading to the temporary suspension of the students involved.
Dr. Alausa has directed the School-Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough probe into any possible external influences.
In addition, the government has introduced enhanced security measures at the college, with law enforcement presence and strengthened safety protocols.
As part of the response, the ministry will also provide counseling and rehabilitation services to promote a safe, positive school environment for all students involved.
Education
BOI MD Advocates for University Curriculum Overhaul to Boost Practical Skills
The Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has called for a comprehensive curriculum overhaul in Nigerian universities to better align with global trends and equip graduates with practical skills. Speaking at the 10th special convention of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association in Abuja, Dr. Olusi highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Olusi noted that while Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, progress in technology and economic development remains slow due to universities’ focus on theoretical knowledge over hands-on training. He emphasized that significant investments in research and technical skill development are essential for positioning Nigeria as a competitive force in the global economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Ekiti State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, called on alumni to contribute to their alma mater, emphasizing that alumni support plays a critical role in building a strong academic foundation and fostering innovative research. The institution’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, similarly urged alumni associations to prioritize initiatives that support university growth and student success.
Global President of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Dipo Bamisaye, stressed the need for Nigerian universities to continuously pursue excellence to remain competitive globally. Dr. Wale Jegede, Chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees, commended the state governor for his dedication to quality education, particularly through the appointment of capable academics to guide the university’s progress.
The convention also honored notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. Among those recognized were Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former presidential aide Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joseph Ayodele, and BOI MD Dr. Olasupo Olusi.
Reinforcing its commitment to the institution’s advancement, the Bank of Industry recently proposed a 2.5 billion Naira development fund to Ekiti State University, underscoring its dedication to driving growth in Nigeria’s educational sector.
Education
NASU, SSANU Announce Indefinite Strike Starting Monday Over Withheld Salaries
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced a nationwide indefinite strike beginning Monday.
This decision, coordinated by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching university staff unions, is in protest of unpaid salaries withheld during a past strike involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) under the previous administration.
The JAC, in a circular addressed to branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU, stated that the strike, initially set for October 23, was postponed to October 27 to align with the Trade Group Council meeting held in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The document, signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, cited delays from the Ministry of Finance in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to release 50 percent of the outstanding four-month salaries.
The unions expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment to resolve the issue, emphasizing their readiness to maintain the strike until all withheld salaries are released.
The JAC’s circular read: “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”
The decision highlights ongoing labor tensions in Nigeria’s education sector, as non-teaching staff urge the government to uphold previous agreements and fulfill financial obligations.
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