NAAT kicks against 200% fee hike by federal universities

The National Association of Academic Technologists has expressed concern over the recent 200 per cent increase in fees in federal universities, saying that it may lead to students dropping out of school.

NAAT also kicked against the dissolution of Universities Governing Boards and asked the Federal Government to reinstate the dissolved boards.

These among others were contained in a statement issued by the NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, at the end of its 52nd National Executive Council meeting, which was made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

The NAAT expressed its displeasure with the recent rise in tuition prices at tertiary institutions, saying, “NAAT is worried and concerned as well with the recent development regarding the increase in fees and charges in our Federal Institutions, particularly Universities.”

“This development may force many of our students to drop out of school as a result of the current economic hardship experienced by parents and a lack of adequate resources to meet economic demands.”

“We are aware that university authorities have imposed a 200% increase in fees and charges.” As a result, NAAT urges the government to respect the condition of the poor and reverse the decision by reverting to the status quo until the loan issue is resolved.”

The collapse of university governing boards, according to the organization, was a setback for the growth and development of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education.

The union argued that the dissolution would cripple the activities of the country’s tertiary institutions, especially in the areas of promotion, motivation, welfare, contracts, and project documentation as well as laboratory facilities for practical and research.