A socio-political movement, The Reformers, has called on the Federal Government to review recent fee increases in public universities and strengthen the implementation of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), warning that rising education costs could make higher education less affordable for many students.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Hon. Muhammed Emiabata, on behalf of the Reformers Coordinating Council, the group said increasing tuition, accommodation and other charges in several public universities had heightened financial pressure on students and their families.
The group argued that the NELFUND scheme, which was introduced to expand access to higher education financing, should not become a basis for institutions to increase fees.
According to the statement, some students have experienced delays in accessing education loans because of verification and administrative processes, creating uncertainty for beneficiaries awaiting disbursements.
The Reformers said such delays could affect students’ academic experience and urged authorities to improve the efficiency of the loan administration process.
The group also expressed concern that rising costs in public universities could narrow the affordability gap between public and private institutions for some families.
It warned that without timely government intervention, more students from low-income backgrounds could struggle to remain in school.
Describing the situation as a challenge requiring urgent policy attention, the group called for stronger monitoring and evaluation of the NELFUND programme and broader reforms aimed at keeping university education affordable.
“The country’s future cannot be built on a foundation of student debt and administrative confusion,” the statement said.
The Reformers also referenced the education proposals of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who, according to the group, has pledged to review the student loan policy if elected.
The movement urged the ADC campaign directorate to provide implementation timelines for its proposed education reforms, including plans for free and compulsory basic education and increased statutory funding for universities to reduce institutions’ reliance on internally generated revenue.
It said presenting a clear roadmap would help reassure parents and students seeking long-term solutions to the rising cost of higher education.
The statement concluded by urging the Federal Government to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent qualified students from accessing university education.
