Idoma students protest Benue varsity tuition hike

The National Association of Idoma Students (NAIS) has strongly opposed the recent increase in tuition fees announced by the management of Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi.

In a statement, NAIS President, Comrade Okoh Emmanuel Oche, condemned the hike, describing it as an excessive financial burden on students already struggling with economic hardship.

He urged the university authorities to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the need for affordable education.

The association has vowed to resist the implementation of the new fees and is mobilizing students to demand a reversal. NAIS also called on relevant stakeholders, including the state government, to intervene and ensure that higher education remains accessible to all.

The statement reads below:

“The National Association of Idoma Students (NAIS) vehemently opposes the recent announcement of a hike in tuition fees by the management of Benue State University, Makurdi. Speaking on behalf of the association, the National President Comrade Okoh Emmanuel Oche strongly condemned the proposed increase, asserting that it would impose an unbearable financial strain on students amidst the prevailing economic challenges.

“Comrade Okoh Emmanuel Oche described the timing of the tuition fee hike as particularly insensitive, given the current economic downturn affecting households nationwide. He warned that the increased financial burden would inevitably force many students to abandon their academic pursuits, which would jeopardize their future. Furthermore, this would have a negative impact on the overall educational landscape of the state.

“The association calls for dialogue and a more considerate approach that takes into account the economic realities faced by students. The NAIS leadership has vowed to explore all available avenues to resist the implementation of the fee hike, emphasizing the need for the university management to reconsider its decision.

“The Idoma students community joins in solidarity with the Students’ Union (SU) of Benue State University (BSU) in rejecting the management’s pronouncement. Earlier, NAIS called on the Benue state government and other student union bodies in the state to rally behind the Students’ Union leader of Benue State University, Makurdi, to ensure the increment is withdrawn.”