{EDUCATION ZONE} ~ AAUA INCREMENT OF SCHOOL FEES. A STING IN THE HEART OF NIGERIAN STUDENT.. BY AYANGBEMI EZEKIEL

Even though the Federal Government claimed we are out of reccession,  I can vividly say we are still in the period of recession.  In nigeria where some family cannot afford to eat three square meal and they are struggling to meet up with the basic needs of life which are shelter, clothe and food and many more. while family still find it difficult unable to afford sending their children to schools.

The issue of arbitrary school fees increment by the Ondo State Government has been heavily criticised and debated by stakeholders in the education sectors. Although, some believe that for people to have qualitative and sound education, they must pay hugely for it. But others have faulted this position, saying that it is the responsibility of the government to provide free education from primary to tertiary institution.

This purported plan to increase Aaua tuition fees to 200 thousand is out of it..

Even though there was no circular on the fee hike yet, the Governor should consider that the low tuition fees at the university had attracted many students, who had studied and graduated from the school.

Mr Governor should also note that the upward review of this Institution fee may end the dreams of many students if implemented, as some of us still find it difficult to pay the current fees due to the instability of the economy.

This may encourage some to argue that young people are immune to the impact of rising costs, and that it may even be possible – and desirable – to further increase fees. This would be a dangerous step to take.

Fees increment may not be deterring many from going to this university, but they are distorting the choices young people make at the application stage, and once they start their course.

Driven by financial concerns, student may opt in for courses they don’t really want to do, in places they don’t really want to be, and are spending time working rather than studying.

Some set of Aaua student which I know myself cater for themselves and are also the one sponsoring themselves in terms of school fees..  If this school fees is increased to the rumored amount will only make things worst for these set of students

I was chanced to be at the Ondo State Internal Revenue today where a small meeting was held concerning ondo state education system issue which witnessed the attendance of the permanent secretary and the special adviser to the governor on education issue,  but every chances to meet him on the increment of Aaua school fees proved abortive.

Some set of stakeholders in Ondo State are said to meet with the Governor in his office about the hike in the institution fees on Monday..  Ethicsgroove will bring to you details and conclusion of the meeting.

God bless Nigeria
God bless Ondo State
God bless Aaua.

Reporting from Akure.

By Ayangbemi Ezekiel Olakunle
{ETHICSGROOVE}