“The Federal Government will organise a formal negotiation committee between the Parent-Teacher Association and other pertinent stakeholders to meet and discuss the recent rise in tuition fees for schools across the nation,” according to Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education.
Speaking at a news conference to mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack in Abuja on Friday, the minister suggested that, “the increase in tuition fees may be the primary reason for the various attacks occurring in schools, adding that a solution needed to be found.”
“The Federal Government adopted the Safe School Declaration in December 2019 and created a safe school policy to defend the right to education,” according to Sununu.
According to PUNCH, “So many areas that require funding are under attack, but we also need to consider the constitutional provisions,” he said. Free education is explicitly stated in the constitution, but with the proviso that it would only be provided “when the government can afford,” which is why it also involves voluntary payments from all parties involved.”
“It is our common responsibility to ensure student safety in schools. We will therefore promote formal negotiations.”
“Where we are unable to give, we encourage PTA and the appropriate institutions so that we may come to an agreement on a term that is agreeable to all of us. As part of the initiatives that can contribute to peace, we will also support numerous collaborations. Whether we concur or not, we must acknowledge the significance of PTAs in maintaining services in lots of our schools at both local and federal levels.” PUNCH reports.
“So, while we do that with limited resources at the ministry level, we try to see how we can block leakages and see how more funds can be available to schools to ensure that quality education is accessible, affordable, and acceptable to every Nigerian without compromising the standard of education.”
Source: PUNCH
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