The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has retracted its earlier statement criticizing Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), over her comments on university funding. According to NANS, its earlier statement was based on a misinterpretation of Prof Olatunji-Bello's position. The student body has apologized for its reaction, which it said was not based on a clear understanding of the professor's comments.
NANS President, Distinguished Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, signed a fresh release stating that Prof Olatunji-Bello's comments were misconstrued. The professor had discussed the need for adequate funding and financial sustainability in universities. Her comments were made in the context of the high cost of providing quality education, which she said was significantly higher than what public universities currently charged.
NANS said it had engaged in further fact-finding and clarification with Prof Olatunji-Bello, which led to its decision to retract the earlier statement. The student body acknowledged that its initial reaction was based on an incomplete understanding of the professor's position. NANS emphasized its commitment to accessible, affordable, and quality education for all Nigerian students.
The student body also recognized the need for adequate funding, sustainability, innovation, and alternative revenue-generation mechanisms within universities. NANS encouraged university managements to explore innovative and sustainable alternatives for funding university education without placing additional financial burdens on Nigerian students. This, it said, would ensure that students are not adversely affected by funding shortfalls.
NANS called on media outlets to verify facts before publishing reports, particularly on sensitive national issues such as education. The student body emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of misinformation. By retracting its earlier statement, NANS aimed to set the record straight and promote a more informed public discourse on university funding.
Prof Olatunji-Bello's comments had sparked controversy, with NANS initially describing her position as an attempt to commercialize education and impose additional financial burdens on Nigerian students. However, after reevaluating her comments, NANS concluded that her position was not a call to commercialize education or advocate for a minimum tuition fee of ₦1 million.
The retraction of NANS' earlier statement highlights the complexities of university funding in Nigeria and the need for nuanced discussions on the issue. Key stakeholders, including students, university administrators, and policymakers, must engage in constructive dialogue to find sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the education sector.
Key points
- NANS retracts statement criticizing Prof Olatunji-Bello's comments on university funding
- Prof Olatunji-Bello's comments were misconstrued, according to NANS
- The student body emphasizes the need for adequate funding and sustainable alternatives for university education
