The South-West zone of the National Association of University Students (NAUS) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, demanding a reversal of the recent hike in telecommunication tariffs. The student body expressed its concerns that the hike would severely disrupt students’ ability to access the internet, a vital tool for modern-day learning. Failure to address this issue, along with other pressing matters such as rising insecurity on campuses, poor power supply, and incessant strikes, could result in large-scale protests, the students warned.
This statement was made during a press conference held on Thursday in Lagos, where the students voiced their grievances and raised alarms about the consequences of the telecom tariff hike on their education.
The NAUS South-West National Vice President, Tiamiyu Olayinka, made it clear that students rely heavily on affordable internet access for academic purposes. According to Olayinka, the hike in telecommunication tariffs would make it difficult for students to engage in key academic activities such as attending virtual lectures, conducting research, submitting assignments, and participating in online discussions.
Olayinka pointed out that, in this digital age, internet access is essential for students to keep up with their academic requirements. Many educational institutions across Nigeria have shifted to online platforms for learning, and the sudden increase in telecom tariffs threatens to disrupt this process. He emphasized that the current situation, if left unchecked, could have a far-reaching impact on students’ academic performance and overall well-being.
“Students across campuses depend on affordable internet access to attend virtual lectures, conduct research, submit assignments, and participate in online discussions. By increasing telecom tariffs, these critical academic engagements are being disrupted,” Olayinka said in his statement.
He added that students cannot afford to let this situation continue, as it directly impacts their education, and called on the government and other relevant stakeholders to act swiftly in addressing this matter.
While the telecom tariff hike was the primary focus of the press conference, the students also raised other urgent concerns that affect their daily lives and academic progress. One of the key issues highlighted was the increasing insecurity on university campuses.
Students in many parts of the country have expressed growing fears over their safety due to the rise in criminal activities, including kidnappings and robberies. The situation has created an atmosphere of fear on several campuses, further undermining the students’ ability to focus on their studies.
Along with insecurity, the students also pointed to the continuing problem of erratic power supply, which hinders academic activities, especially for those who rely on electricity to complete assignments or engage in online learning. The unreliable power situation across the country is making it difficult for students to maintain consistent academic schedules, often leaving them in the dark both literally and figuratively.
Another issue raised was the frequent strikes by university staff, which often lead to disruptions in academic calendars. The students condemned the incessant strikes that delay their education and negatively affect their academic progress. These strikes, according to the students, are signs of deeper systemic issues within the educational sector that need to be addressed immediately.
In their statement, NAUS made it clear that if the government does not act on their demands, they would be forced to take drastic actions, including organizing mass protests across the South-West region. The students are determined to protect their academic rights and demand a better environment for learning.
“Failure to meet up with our demands will leave us with no choice but to mobilize students across the South-West and take bold steps to defend our rights and secure a better academic environment for all,” the statement read.
The student body made it clear that they are not willing to accept any further delays in addressing these issues, particularly the hike in telecommunication tariffs. According to them, affordable internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern-day education, and the recent hike threatens to exclude many students from essential academic activities.
The students have called on the Federal Government, telecommunications companies, and other relevant stakeholders to take immediate action to reverse the recent hike in telecom tariffs. They also urged the government to prioritize addressing the issues of insecurity, power supply, and frequent strikes, which continue to hinder students’ ability to achieve their full potential.
The NAUS has also called for a dialogue with the government to discuss these pressing concerns and work towards viable solutions. The student body stressed the importance of finding a balance between government policies and the needs of students, urging that the welfare of students should be a priority for the government.
Since the press conference, reactions from the public have been mixed, with many students expressing support for the NAUS’s stance on the telecom tariff hike. Many have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with several students agreeing that the increase in tariffs is unfair and will have a negative impact on their education.
Some student leaders from other regions have also joined in solidarity with the South-West zone, calling on the government to be more responsive to the needs of students. However, some critics have argued that while the tariff hike may be a concern, there are also broader economic factors at play that need to be considered, including the government’s financial challenges.
The recent telecom tariff hike is just one of many issues that students across Nigeria face in their pursuit of education. Nigeria’s education sector has long struggled with inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and underpaid staff. The situation is further exacerbated by the challenges faced by students, including high tuition fees, limited access to quality learning resources, and the disruptions caused by strikes and insecurity.
For students, these issues are not just abstract concerns but real barriers to their success. Many students are already facing difficult financial circumstances, and the increased telecom tariffs only add to the burden. In a country where the educational system is in dire need of reform, students’ calls for action are becoming more urgent.
The Federal Government now faces the challenge of addressing these demands from students while balancing the country’s economic realities. With the recent warning from NAUS, it is clear that students are no longer willing to wait for change – they are ready to take action.
