Are you willing to pay tuition fees if introduced to public universities?

By Taiwo Adeniyi & Aishah Saleeman

Amidst the raging controversies between the FG and ASUU, Daily Trust on Sunday spoke to some students and parents on what they feel should the government introduce tuition fees.

• ASUU and the travail of Nigerian education
• Endless strikes: Why FG, ASUU fail to get it right

Mrs Kabirat Dayo Lah, parent  

I will not be willing at the moment because the children are at home doing nothing. But if it is a means to end the incessant ASUU strike, I don’t have an option but to pay. We are ready to pay for the children to remain in school because we don’t have other options; unless you have means of sending your children to private universities. So, if you don’t have the means, what better option is available?  

Lawal Rahmatullah Feyisola, 500 Level student 

Half is better than none. With the current rise in inflation and average income of Nigerians, we cannot afford an increase or introduction of tuition, which will lead to an increase in the fees. If tuition is introduced, there will be a decline in the number of educated persons, and we cannot undermine the value of education. But if it is a slight increase, it will guarantee sustainability of the public tertiary educational system in Nigeria. The government has failed us. A 10-month strike in two years shows lack of prioritization of education in Nigeria. Youths constitute the largest percentage of students in tertiary institutions; we are the future of our dear nation but sadly, we are not being adequately prepared for this. The adverse effects of strike include increased crime rates and with the high rate of insecurity in the country today, we have had enough. ASUU is fighting for what they deserve. ASUU’s rights are human rights. In fact, they have been betrayed many times. Enough is enough. However, I would suggest that a better method be deployed to fight for what they deserve.  

Adam Ibrahim 400 Level, student

I will definitely pay if the government can assure us of good and quality education. We are all not happy with this strike because it’s delaying our future so we are hoping that everything will be settled between the federal government and ASUU. The government and the union have to get it right but they have failed to do so because the government has failed to fulfill the promises it made to the ASUU. 

Taiwo Olalere Oluwabunmi, student  

Yes, but the government can also initiate a student loan that has a proper refund plan. Also, there must be a guarantee that we will be gainfully employed, so that we can pay our loan as is being done in developed nations. That being said, the federal government is not serious with the way it handles education in this country. ASUU also has its faults but you can’t turn blind eyes to their demands as if their demands are not legitimate.  

Seth Vivienne, 400 Level 

I won’t be willing to pay. Owing to the fact that the government has taken it upon itself to provide education.  

Mrs Patricia Suoware, parent  

I will be willing to pay the tuition fees should the government decide to introduce it. It might be challenging but I am sure with the payment, the school will be able to give my child the best education and remember there is no free food even in Freetown.