ASUU warns FG against hiking fees

By Morayo Koku

*`ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke`*

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has cautioned the Federal Government on the after-effects of increasing fees in federal universities.

National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, disclosed this during an interview with a reputable news agency on Tuesday.

He elaborated on reasons for his opposition to the actions taken by the government.

He said, “It is not palatable because nothing has happened to the minimum wage of the average Nigerian which is N30,000 per month”.

Osodoke equally voiced his concerns about the ability of students to pay the fee. Saying that Nigeria risks a worsening state of insecurity if the updated fees are not re-evaluated.

He urged the Nigerian government to consider variety before taking any action.

“We have to look at all the issues before we talk about increasing, decreasing or reducing school fees. I believe that what is happening today is not palatable at all to the average Nigerian who can hardly eat.”

The ASUU boss explained that the development of a country relies on the standard of tertiary education. And consequently, accommodating the destruction of tertiary education will give negative outcomes to the country.

He emphasised that the reason countries experience growth is a good relationship between industry, universities and the government.

Further pointing out the various financial burdens of Nigerian parents, he proffered solutions to the school fees hike.

His words, “What the government needs to do is to increase the funding to the world standard. Ensure that money is well used, and infrastructure is well developed.”