Following the 200% hike in tuition across Federal Universities in the country, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has raised concerns over a fear of subsequent dropouts of students.
Speaking at the 52nd National Executive Council meeting on Sunday in Abuja, NAAT President Ibeji Nwokeoma, in a statement expressed displeasure over the imposed hike in fees and appealed to the government to rescind its decision in consideration of the poor.
The statement reads, “NAAT is worried and concerned too with the recent development regarding the increase in fees in our Federal Institutions, particularly Universities.
“This development may compel many of our students to drop out of school, occasioned by the current economic hardship facing parents and lack of adequate resources to meet up with economic demands.
“We are aware that over 200% increase in fees is now being imposed by Universities authorities. NAAT, therefore, appeals to the government to consider the plight of the poor and rescind the decision by returning to the status quo until the loan issue is properly addressed.”
NAAT also warned that the dissolution of the governing boards of Universities would cripple the activities, growth, and development of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education.