The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has retracted its earlier statement concerning comments by Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the immediate-past Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, on tuition fees, university funding, and financial stability. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, signed the statement, saying the association misconstrued Olatunji-Bello's statement.
According to NANS, its earlier statement described Olatunji-Bello's position as an attempt to commercialize education and place additional financial burdens on Nigerian students. However, after clarification from Olatunji-Bello and further fact-finding, NANS established that her position was misconstrued. The widely circulated interpretation of her statement did not represent the context and intent of her position.
NANS said Olatunji-Bello's position was that delivering quality university education requires adequate funding, and the cost of providing quality education is significantly higher than what public universities currently charge. She emphasized the need for universities to pursue financial self-sustainability through innovation and diversified revenue streams.
The students' body acknowledged that its earlier interpretation of Olatunji-Bello's statement was wrong. As an organization committed to the welfare and interests of Nigerian students, NANS recognized the need for adequate funding, sustainability, innovation, and alternative revenue-generation mechanisms within universities.
NANS unequivocally retracted its earlier press statement titled 'N1 Million Minimum Tuition Fees: Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello Goofed'. The association withdrew the contents and conclusions contained therein and regretted the misrepresentation of Olatunji-Bello's position arising from its earlier publication.
NANS encouraged university managements to explore innovative and sustainable alternatives for funding university education without placing additional financial burdens on Nigerian students. The association called on all media outlets to refrain from misleading the public in the dissemination of information, particularly on sensitive national issues such as education.
NANS urged all media outlets to verify facts before publishing reports. As the apex student representative body in Nigeria, NANS remains committed to constructive dialogue and intellectual engagement in advocating for the advancement and collective interests of Nigerian students.
Key points
- NANS retracts statement on Olatunji-Bello's comment on varsity funding
- Earlier interpretation of Olatunji-Bello's statement was wrong
- NANS advocates for adequate funding, sustainability, innovation, and alternative revenue-generation mechanisms within universities
