KNOWLEDGE FOR SALE: Government Puts Price Tag on Education, Students Suffer the Fallout!

Human Rights lawyer and Activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has unloaded with a barrage of criticism on the federal and Lagos state governments for their recent decision to increase tuition cost, describing it as an “egregious violation” of children’s rights and a “callous disregard” for the welfare of Nigerian students.

Falana’s indignation arises in response to the federal government’s shocking increase in fees for Unity Schools from N45,000 to N100,000 per term, an enormous 120% increase, and the Lagos State government’s announcement of a new fee of N100,000 for state-owned boarding schools, previously N35,000.

“This brazen move by the government is a harsh reality of their utter disdain for the education and well-being of Nigerian children,” Falana declared. “It is an affront to the very principles of social justice and human rights.”

Falana argued that the hike is not only illegal but also immoral, as it puts the cost of education beyond the reach of millions of Nigerian children.

“How can a government that claims to be committed to education and the welfare of its citizens justify this exorbitant increase?” he asked.

He vowed to challenge the decision in court, citing the clear provisions of the Child’s Rights Act and Lagos State Child’s Rights Law.

“This is a gross violation of children’s rights, and we will not sit and watch as the government perpetuates this injustice.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, revealed that over N45.7 billion matching grant to state governments for the implementation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) between 2020 and 2023 has not been accessed by many states governments. This raises questions about the justification for the school fees hike.

Falana’s stance on this issue demands justice for students and for the government to reconsider its decision and prioritize the education and welfare of Nigerian children.