NEWS DIGEST– In a recent discussion on the state of the Nigerian education sector, the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, revealed a concerning forecast. Saying that if the Federal Government does not intervene in the ongoing surge of fee increases in educational institutions, a significant percentage of students, ranging from 40 to 50 percent, may be forced to abandon their academic pursuits within the next two years.
Prof. Osodeke emphasized that the primary reason for this anticipated dropout rate was the exorbitant tuition costs imposed on students across various universities and colleges in the country. The burden of these overwhelming fees is rendering education financially unattainable for many students and their families.
Highlighting the potential consequences of this educational crisis, Prof. Osodeke stated, “If no measures are taken to address these excessive fees prevailing in institutions nationwide, we can expect a drastic drop in enrollment rates, affecting more than 40 to 50 percent of the current student population within the next two to three years.”
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He voiced concerns that such a mass exodus from schools would lead to an alarming rise in idleness among the youth, potentially making them susceptible to being recruited for activities that could disrupt societal peace.
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Reflecting on the past, Prof. Osodeke underscored the urgent need for a transformation in the educational landscape. He urged the government to create an environment similar to that of the 1960s and 1970s, where education was accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Drawing on his own experience as a student, he recalled a time when the government even provided financial support to students.
To rectify the current situation, Prof. Osodeke proposed a solution: the government should increase the budgetary allocation to education to a minimum of 15% of the total national budget.
By prioritizing a substantial financial investment in the education sector, the government could pave the way for affordable and inclusive education, ensuring that even the children of low-income households have the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations.
