Somto BisinaThe Student Loan Bill, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, has raised concerns within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as it has the potential to force numerous students out of school, according to ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Osodeke highlighted the adverse effects the law could have on millions of prospective students who rely on tuition-free higher education institutions to acquire knowledge.
He questioned the rationale behind introducing tuition fees in a country where over 133 million people live below the poverty line, emphasizing the counterproductive nature of such a move.
Osodeke further pointed out that the bill was not a new concept, as the union had previously rejected it during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He acknowledged that ASUU was yet to obtain the accurate copy of the law signed by Tinubu and stressed the need for careful examination and analysis.
In 2017, the union had already expressed its opposition to the concept of tuition fees, objecting to the proposition that each student should pay one million naira.
ASUU firmly believed that such an arrangement was unacceptable for negotiation and incompatible with the country’s current circumstances.
Osodeke warned of potential repercussions, stating that if the majority of students whose families could not afford tuition fees were forced to withdraw from school, it would likely lead to societal unrest and resistance.
However, he stressed the importance of obtaining accurate information before determining the next course of action. Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has not yet commented on the new Student Loan Act.
However, the ministry is expected to hold a press conference in the near future to address and clarify all concerns surrounding the legislation.
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