The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) vehemently opposes the recent proposal put forth by Sonny Echono, the executive secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), advocating for the implementation of tuition fees in federal universities. This proposal, raised during an education sector conference in Abuja themed "Funding for Tertiary Education in Nigeria," has sparked concerns among students and education stakeholders nationwide.
In response to this proposition, Pedro Obi, President of NANS, issued a resolute statement denouncing the suggestion as a direct assault on the fundamental principle of accessible education for all Nigerians. Federal universities have historically served as pillars of hope for the less privileged, offering them a pathway to higher education without financial impediments. The imposition of tuition fees threatens to undermine this noble ideal, potentially erecting insurmountable barriers that could disenfranchise countless deserving students from accessing tertiary education.
While acknowledging the imperative of sustainable funding for educational institutions, NANS emphasizes that burdening students and their families with tuition fees is not the panacea. The government must explore alternative funding mechanisms that ensure the accessibility and affordability of education remain uncompromised. NANS urges the federal government to reject this proposal unequivocally, reaffirming its commitment to providing free and accessible education for all Nigerians.
Furthermore, NANS calls upon stakeholders within the education sector to prioritize the welfare and future of students above all else. Education is not a privilege reserved for the affluent but a fundamental right that every Nigerian is entitled to. NANS vows to staunchly defend this principle, standing as a bulwark against any measures that threaten to undermine equal access to quality education for all citizens.
In conclusion, NANS remains steadfast in its advocacy for the preservation of accessible and affordable education in Nigeria. The association pledges to mobilize its resources and influence to ensure that the voices of Nigerian students are heard and their rights safeguarded in the face of any challenges to their educational opportunities.
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