By Gift Obiajuru Ukadikebuazua
The leadership of the National Association of University Students, Campus Monitoring Committee (NAUS, CMC), Edo State Axis, has written an open letter to the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, seeking his intervention in the ongoing issues faced by higher institutions in the state.
The letter, dated September 18th, 2023, and signed by the Chairman and Secretary General of NAUS Edo CMC, Comr. Osahon Eseosa Destiny and Comr. Clinton Eyagbon Omoruyi respectively, the letter, titled “Urgent Appeal for Resolution of Higher Education Issues in Edo State,” was addressed to the Governor and contains appreciation for the Governor’s benevolent initiative in providing free bus services to the people of Edo state through the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS). However, the letter indicates that the ECTS initiative does not cover areas with universities such as Ekpoma, which harbors Ambrose Alli University, and Uzairue, where Edo State University, Iyamho, is located. The letter shows the commitment of the Leadership of NAUS, CMC, Edo state axis, in defending the welfare of all university students in Edo State, thereby using the opportunity to appeal to the Governor to extend the ECTS initiative to those areas not benefitting from it at the moment, which are mainly student environments, as it will help alleviate the economic impact faced by the students in transporting to and from their educational institutions.
Most importantly, the letter highlights the issue of school fees hike across public universities in Edo state, causing unrest among students seeking tertiary education in Edo State, particularly with the situation at Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, which has caused tensions between students and management of the university and the dispute between the management of the institution and her students due to increment in school fees, which led to the dissolution of elected student leaders at Ambrose Alli University by the management because of the endless agitation by students for a reduction of the increased fees.
The Leadership of NAUS, CMC, Edo state axis, suggests that the Edo State Governor consider the challenges faced by higher institutions in the state and address the issues with urgency. The recommendation of the association’s leadership to the Governor of Edo state includes the following:
1. Reduction in Tuition Fees: Consider reducing tuition fees for tertiary institutions in Edo State, with a particular focus on Ambrose Alli University.
2. Subsidizing State-Owned Tertiary Institutions: Implement policies to subsidize State-owned tertiary institutions within Edo State. Several other States in Nigeria have successfully implemented similar measures to alleviate the burden on students, including Kaduna, Taraba, and Kano, which reduced fees by fifty percent.
3. Increase in the Monthly Subvention Allocation: The Leadership of NAUS, CMC, Edo state axis recommends that the Governor strongly consider increasing the monthly subvention allocation to State-owned institutions. This action is essential as it has a direct correlation with the recent escalation in tuition fees. By allocating more resources to these institutions, the government can help alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, making quality education more accessible. This move not only supports the state’s educational institutions but also demonstrates a commitment to affordable and accessible education for all, ultimately contributing to the overall development and prosperity of Edo State.
The letter concludes by expressing appreciation for the Governor’s steadfast commitment to advancing education in Edo State and remaining hopeful that the pressing issues confronting higher education institutions will receive the Governor’s benevolent attention.
“Your Excellency, we deeply appreciate your steadfast commitment to advancing education in Edo State. We remain hopeful that the pressing issues confronting our higher education institution will receive your benevolent attention,” the letter reads.
“We appreciate your audience sir, and anticipate your due cooperation, we look forward to a response at your earliest convenience.
“Solidarity forever!!”
Support ACJ UNIBEN's goal of always bringing truth to light.
Excellent campus journalism requires financial support. Yet, it is this very journalism that contributes to an informed campus community, transparency in educational institutions, and an engaged student body. To continue offering free access to top-notch campus journalism, we invite you to consider making a modest contribution to this worthwhile endeavor. Your support for ACJ UNIBEN's campus journalism ensures its relevance and availability to all students, free of charge, fostering an informed and active campus community.
DONATE