Students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Plateau State took to the streets on Tuesday, expressing their discontent with the recent hike in tuition fees and other services provided by the institution.
The protest, organised by the institutionโs Students Union Government, saw students blocking roads leading to the campus, demanding an immediate reversal of the increased fees.
The demonstrators held placards bearing messages such as โIf your children can afford the money, we canโtโ and โWe donโt want to drop out of schoolโ.
They voiced their concerns about the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians and emphasised that the fee increment only adds to the existing challenges.
Editorial:
The Rising Cost of Education: A Barrier to Progress
The recent protest by UNIJOS students underscores a pressing concern in Nigeriaโs educational landscape: the escalating cost of tertiary education.
While institutions may argue that increased fees are necessary to maintain standards and infrastructure, itโs essential to consider the broader socio-economic context.
Many Nigerian families are grappling with economic challenges, and a sudden spike in tuition fees can derail a studentโs academic journey.
Itโs crucial for educational institutions and policymakers to strike a balance between financial sustainability and accessibility.
Education is a fundamental right, and its affordability should be a top priority.
The UNIJOS protest serves as a stark reminder that the nationโs youth are keenly aware of their rights and are willing to stand up for them.
Did You Know?
- The University of Jos, established in 1975, is one of Nigeriaโs leading tertiary institutions.
- Protests over fee hikes are not unique to Nigeria; they have been witnessed globally, from South Africa to Chile.
- Education is considered a fundamental human right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- The global average tuition fee for undergraduate students is approximately $7,500 per year.
- Studies have shown that countries with accessible tertiary education tend to have higher economic growth rates.
