To: The Management,
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,
Ogbomoso.
14th October, 2024
SAVE OUR EDUCATION: SAY NO TO UNFAIR FEE HIKE FOR LAUTECH 300L-600L STUDENTS
Dear Management,
I write this memo as a concerned student deeply troubled by the growing financial burdens being placed on students and their families. The proposed 150% increase in school fees, although reduced to 70% in rumored negotiations by certain individuals claiming to represent students, still represents an overwhelming challenge for many of us. I respectfully present the following points for your reconsideration:
1. Economic Realities of Students and Their Families
Many students at LAUTECH come from low-income households, and the current state of the Nigerian economy has left families struggling to meet basic needs. Even a 70% increase imposes a significant financial burden. For many students, this hike could lead to dropouts or the inability to continue their education, particularly for those who are self-sponsored or rely on small businesses for their income.
2. Access to Quality Education Should Not Be Dependent on High Costs
The very foundation of public education is to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By increasing fees, LAUTECH risks excluding those most in need of educational opportunities. While I understand that institutional costs are rising, there are alternative ways to address this challenge without resorting to such drastic fee increases.
3. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Is Unreliable
Management has stated that the fee adjustment is independent of NELFUND, but this raises serious concerns about students’ access to financial support. Many students have struggled to benefit from NELFUND, which has proven to be inconsistent and unreliable. NELFUND should not be used as a justification for increasing tuition fees. Given the Federal Government’s history with similar schemes, there is no guarantee that it will continue to fund over 35,000 students. Moreover, NELFUND was designed for indigent students, and it should not be leveraged to justify a tuition increase that risks cutting short the academic journey of thousands of students.
4. Impact on Academic Performance and Student Welfare
High fees force students to take on extra jobs to cover costs, leading to poor academic performance. This financial strain also takes a toll on students’ mental health as they juggle both academic and financial pressures. Basic resources that support student welfare, such as ID cards, laboratory materials, and sports activities, should be provided without shifting the financial burden onto students.
5. Call for Transparency in School Expenditure
While it is understandable that universities face financial constraints, the proposed fee hike raises valid questions about how the current student fees are being spent. A transparent breakdown of the university’s expenditures, including how existing fees are allocated, would foster better understanding and trust among students and demonstrate whether the fee increase is truly necessary.
Conclusion
In light of these concerns, I strongly urge the school management to explore alternative funding options that do not place the financial burden on students and their families. A 70% fee increase may provide a short-term solution for the institution, but it will cause long-term harm to the student body, resulting in higher dropout rates and reduced access to education.
I hope LAUTECH management will reconsider this proposal and seek a more sustainable, student-centered approach that secures the future of both the institution and its students.
Yours sincerely,
ADEBISI, Adewumi Joseph,
A Concerned Student
