The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has backed a motion by the House of Representatives seeking intervention over rising fees in tertiary institutions, urging lawmakers to investigate the increases and introduce measures to protect students from excessive financial burdens.
The association commended Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, who represents Akoko Northeast and Akoko Northwest Federal Constituency of Ondo State, for sponsoring the motion. It also acknowledged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for allowing the matter to be considered by the House.
In a statement signed electronically by its National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Obidah David, NANS said rising tuition fees and compulsory institutional charges were placing additional pressure on students already struggling with the cost of transportation, accommodation, learning materials and other basic needs.
The association warned that substantial increases in school fees could make tertiary education increasingly difficult to afford, particularly for students from low-income households.
It also expressed concern that rising institutional charges could weaken the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), whose student loan scheme is designed to help eligible Nigerians access higher education.
According to NANS, where tuition and other approved charges rise beyond the financial support available to students, beneficiaries may face additional financial pressure despite accessing loans. The association said this could contribute to delayed graduation, deferred studies or withdrawal from school for students unable to meet the outstanding costs.
NANS further argued that loan beneficiaries could face increased repayment obligations after graduation at a time when many young people contend with employment uncertainty and other financial responsibilities.
While acknowledging the need for sustainable funding for universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions, the association maintained that institutional financing challenges should not be addressed through disproportionate charges imposed on students and their families.
It called for transparent financial management, constructive engagement between institutional authorities and students, and appropriate government intervention to support the long-term funding of tertiary education.
The student body urged the relevant committees of the House of Representatives to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into reported fee increases across tertiary institutions.
It said the inquiry should examine the scale of the increases, the justifications provided by institutional managements, the consultation processes followed before implementation, compliance with applicable regulations and the relationship between revised fees and the support available through NELFUND.
NANS said the investigation should produce clear recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, institutional accountability and affordability. It also called for safeguards against unjustified or disproportionate increases.
The association urged the Federal Ministry of Education, relevant regulatory agencies and tertiary institution managements to involve student representatives in reviewing fee policies and developing sustainable funding alternatives.
It added that institutions should disclose the reasons behind significant adjustments to their charges and demonstrate that the increases are necessary, proportionate and consistent with applicable regulations. Where increases are found to be unjustified, the association called for corrective action.
NANS also urged the House of Representatives to ensure that the motion results in concrete measures, sustained oversight and the effective implementation of any recommendations arising from the investigation.
The debate over tertiary institution fees has implications for the government’s broader efforts to expand access to higher education through student financing. Although loan schemes can help eligible students meet approved educational costs, the extent to which they ease financial pressure depends partly on the level of institutional charges and the adequacy and timing of support.
For students and parents, the outcome of the proposed legislative scrutiny could help clarify how institutions determine fee increases, what consultation is required and what safeguards exist against excessive charges. However, any decision to suspend, reverse or regulate particular increases would depend on the findings of the investigation and the actions taken by the relevant authorities.
NANS reiterated its appreciation to Ehindero and Abbas for bringing the issue before the House, calling on lawmakers and public institutions to prioritise students’ welfare, access to education and financial security.
