The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has pledged to combat the rising tuition fees in higher education institutions across the country.
The commitment was announced by NANS President Lucky Emonefe during a press conference held in Abuja this Monday, which was attended by key student leaders, including the newly-elected NANS Senate President, Afeez Akinteye.
Emonefe emphasized his administration’s dedication to challenging the fee hikes at a national level, asserting NANS’ readiness to safeguard the rights and interests of Nigerian students. He urged for unity within the association, particularly among those who were dissatisfied with the outcomes of the recent elections in Abuja, stressing that solidarity within the Association would be advantageous for the student body.
“I am grateful to the students of Nigeria for entrusting me with the presidency and the responsibility to represent their interests,” stated Emonefe. “In light of the recent tuition fee increases, my team and I are fully committed to opposing these hikes.
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We are currently addressing a significant case at the University of Calabar, where the management has raised fees. We have instructed our zonal and state student leaders to engage with the situation. Should their efforts prove insufficient, we will step in to advocate for the students.”
The press conference also saw former candidates Edom John, Stephen Edidiong, Boniface Emesowun, and Enomfon Umoisien, along with the elected National Association of Nigerian Students Senate President Afeez Akinteye and Clerk-elect Oladimeji Uthman, express their support for Emonefe, acknowledging him as the legitimate NANS President.
The announcement follows the contentious NANS presidential election held on December 2, which featured eight candidates from the South-South region, ultimately resulting in Emonefe’s victory.