Education
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has on Monday called on the Federal Government to prioritize the education of all children in the country, especially those from poor families.
This is a sequel to the decision by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNUs) to increase its obligatory and some other fees being charged to students.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko stated this in a press statement on Monday the 18th of September,2023.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is a non-governmental organization committed to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria. One of the fundamental human rights HURIWA is dedicated to safeguarding is the right to education. This report examines the recent pronouncements by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNUs) regarding the necessity of fee hikes in federal universities and rebuts the logic behind such decisions. It also argues for the government’s responsibility in funding education and explores alternative funding mechanisms for public universities to reduce the financial burden on students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Right to Education in Nigeria
The right to education is an essential human right enshrined in both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments that Nigeria is a party to. Article 18 (chapter II) of Nigeria’s Constitution 1999 states that the government’s policy shall be directed towards ensuring there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels. Moreover, it mandates that education shall be free and compulsory for all children of school age. While this chapter is non-justiciable under section 6 (6) of the Constitution, a 2017 landmark judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja declared that the right to compulsory, free, and universal primary and junior secondary education is enforceable in Nigeria. This decision is based on the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, enacted by the National Assembly, which makes specific provisions for basic education.
Government Responsibility in Funding Education
The Constitution’s provisions and international commitments highlight the government’s primary responsibility for funding and ensuring access to quality education, especially in public institutions. Therefore, the argument put forth by CVCNUs that fee hikes are unavoidable due to the financial strain on universities is flawed. Instead, it is the government’s duty to provide sufficient financial support to these institutions. There are several reasons why this responsibility should not be shifted to students:
1. Legal Obligation: The Constitution and international human rights treaties obligate the government to direct its policies towards providing equal and adequate educational opportunities, making education free and compulsory. These legal commitments emphasize that the government should bear the bulk of the financial burden in the education sector.
2. Economic and Social Rights: Education is not just a privilege but an economic and social right. It is essential for the full development of human personality and the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Increasing fees can limit access to education and hinder the full development of the human personality, contravening international standards.
3. Inequality and Discrimination: Fee hikes exacerbate inequality in access to education. They disproportionately affect students from low-income backgrounds, potentially excluding them from higher education opportunities. This goes against the principle of non-discrimination in education, as outlined in international human rights instruments like the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
Alternative Funding Mechanisms
Instead of placing the financial burden on students, public universities should explore alternative funding mechanisms to supplement government subventions. These mechanisms can include:
1. Research Partnerships: Public universities can engage in collaborative research projects with corporate bodies and manufacturing companies. These partnerships can yield research funding and promote innovation, generating revenue for the universities.
2. Endowments and Alumni Support: Establishing endowments and seeking support from alumni can provide sustainable sources of funding. Encouraging alumni to give back to their alma mater can significantly contribute to the financial stability of universities.
3. Efficient Financial Management: Universities should prioritize transparent and efficient financial management to make the most of available resources. This includes prudent budgeting, cost-saving measures, and reducing wastage
4. Government Commitment: The government should fulfill its obligation to adequately fund public universities, ensuring that they can maintain affordable tuition fees for all students, regardless of their economic backgrounds.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the recent pronouncements by CVCNUs regarding fee hikes in Nigerian federal universities are at odds with the legal and moral obligations of the government to fund education. HURIWA contends that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that public universities are adequately funded to maintain affordable tuition fees. Public universities should also explore alternative funding mechanisms, such as research partnerships, endowments, and efficient financial management.
HURIWA makes the following recommendations:
“Advocate for increased government funding of public universities to reduce the financial burden on students and their families.
“Encourage public universities to establish research partnerships and seek support from alumni and corporate bodies to supplement their funding.
“Monitor and document cases of human rights violations related to education, especially those resulting from fee hikes.
“Promote the justiciability of the right to education in Nigeria, allowing individuals and organizations to take legal action against the government for failing to provide quality and affordable education.
“Collaborate with stakeholders, including students, parents, universities, and government agencies, to find sustainable solutions to the financial challenges facing universities.
A.
-September. 20 2023 @ 17:48 GMT |
Tags: Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko HURIWA
