National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ekiti axis has written openly to Vice chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI) on the hike in both school and acceptance fees of the said institution. Hence, the students’ association has also seek for government intervention.
In a press release by NANS Ekiti Chairman, Comr. Olarenwaju Felix ”Skul Fada”, he described the increase in the fees as a callous attitude and means to deprive masses of quality education.
The school acceptance fees is placed N100,000, with non science school fees at N286,500, science N336,500 and Technology N356,500 respectively. The increase in the school fees has drawn reactions not only from NANS Ekiti, but many stakeholders in educational field and Nigerian students at large.
Read the full press release;
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS.
EKITI AXIS.
OPEN LETTER TO THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF BAMIDELE OLUMILUA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, IKERE EKITI (BOUESTI).
BOUESTI PROPOSED SCHOOL FEES: a callous and precarious decision.
We would like to begin by quoting an old African proverb which says: ‘when rainfall is accompanied by thunder, the ground does not only get wet, devastating traces are left behind that could affect generations yet unborn.’
Sir, you are an African son and it is not conventionally acceptable to explain such sayings to anyone with African roots. An African child is no stranger to the meanings conveyed by the crowing cock in the early hours of the morning.
We know that education is an antidote to poverty hence the jubilation at the declaration of BOUESTI. we were imbued with hopes of students attaining greatness and the ecstatic feeling of actualizing their aspirations was buzzing inside of us with unusual enthusiasm. Things have indeed changed! Today, that feeling has turned awry as the cost of the newly declared university is proving unfriendly to the poor masses like the infamous relationship between human skin and thorns. We are yet to recover from the brutal shock that hit us in the wake of the university’s ill-informed decision on the proposed fees without any compunction.
To our greatest surprise, we were struck with shock checking the website of the institution with a memo released by the University registrar revealing the impromptu unfriendly school fees which includes Acceptance fees of N100,000, school fees for non science N286,500, science N336,500 and Technology N356,500 respectively.
This decision is not only callous; it is also a testimony to the fact that the new university prioritizes financial gains to academic excellence. And this, quite obviously, leaves the future of the university and its students in a very precarious state. At a time when the university is still new and face with a big struggle to meet the pressing needs of its arrival, one would have thought that developing infrastructure for a sound learning environment is the university’s major goal. But the move by the university has proven that such plans are out of thought. So, Sir, rather than resorting to huge school fees we are of the opinion that tackling those shortcomings associated with newness that are besetting the institution would have been more productive.
Sir, If the Children of the poorest of the poor must go to school and graduate, then quality and affordable education must be in place. Chief Obafemi Awolowo warned many years ago when he said, “The children of the poor you failed to train will never let your children have peace”.
Conclusively, as forerunners of Students’ interest in the state, we demand swift action and immediate intervention to reverse this unfriendly proposed school fees
It is our sincere hope that our demands are treated with utmost adherence and urgency within the next seven working days else we explore alternative methods.
Education is right not a privilege.
Yours in struggle
Comr. OLAREWAJU, Olamide Felix – Skul-Fada
Chairman.
Comr Aderibigbe Sikiru
General secretary
Comr Salawudeen Kamorudeen
PRO.
Cc:
Ekiti State Governor
Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology
SSA on Students Matters
SA on Students Matters
NANS National President
NANS Southwest Coordinator
