Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, is studying the recently signed Students Loans law before taking a position.
Osodeke told newsmen that it is premature for parents to rejoice yet because the Act could force many students out of school. This is because the Act will inevitably lead to introduction of tuition fees in public universities.
“A country where more than 133 million are living below the poverty line and you want to introduce tuition fees? It is counterproductive,” Osodeke said.
Students in Nigerian public universities do not pay tuition fees. However, management of individual institutions determine levies for specific services.
“Every Nigerian should know what is going to happen next… There may likely be another bill waiting for signature that will introduce tuition fees.
“If the bill indicated that the loan is to pay tuition fees and there are no tuition fees in Nigerian universities, then what is your next approach?”
Osodeke recalled ASUU’s original opposition to the bill when the immediate past government introduced it
See original copy of the Bill here
“In 2017, President Buhari came up with the issue of tuition fees, that every student will pay N1 million. We said you cannot put that in our agreement and you cannot use that to negotiate with us. With the nature of the country that we have today, there is no way that will work.”
He predicted dire consequences as soon as government operationalize the Act.
“What will happen is that most students whose parents cannot afford it will pull out of school in anger. And you know what that means? They will fight the society back.
He however said ASUU will offer a formal response after studying the contend of the Act that Mr. Tinubu. signed.
But let us get the correct information first before knowing the next steps,” Osodeke added.
President Bola Tinubu signed the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act on Monday, 12 June 2023.
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