School fees’ hike will push us out of universities, Muslim students lament

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has decried the hike in school fees in tertiary institutions, especially universities, expressing fear that the development may push many of its members out of schools. 

The National Vice Chairman (Amir) Zone A comprising 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bin Isa, stated this at the 80th National Islamic Vacation Course (IVC), themed, ‘The Position of Muslims in National Politics and Economy: Where we are and where we ought to be’, held on Wednesday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

Isa said, “Our universities continue to increase school fees. We are afraid that this will push many of our members out of universities.

“While we commend the effort of the government in coming up with students loan scheme, we are not sure it will address the challenge of the current crisis on the rise in school fees. 

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“We are, therefore, calling on well-meaning Nigerians and the government to rescue the situation. 

“We are the ones lagging behind in studies, and with the astronomical rise in school fees, we will continue to suffer and lag behind. 

“We are appealing to the Muslim Ummah to look into this matter as a lot of our Muslim students cannot continue their studies.”

He also expressed deep concern over the wanton killing of innocent Nigerians in many parts of the country, urging the security agencies to intensify efforts to secure lives and property.

He also appealed to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift its sanction on Niger Republic following the ouster of a democratically-elected government in that country. 

He said the sanctions were making life unbearable for the ordinary people in Niger.

On the Israeli war on Gaza, Isa called on the Muslim World and the international community to provide humanitarian support for Palestinians and mount pressure on Israel and its allies to end the war.