By Jennifer Y Omiloli
The House of Representatives of Nigeria has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission to immediately stop the fees charged by universities for undergraduate entry.
It also mandated its Committee on Tertiary Education and Services to examine admission policies and practices in a resolution passed by the lower chamber at Wednesday’s plenary, stating that many Nigerians have been stressed when obtaining admission to various higher learning institutions.
The resolution of the House followed a Hon-sponsored motion. Chinedu Emeka Martins representing the Federal Constituency of Imo State of Ahiazu / Ezinihitte.
The lawmaker decried admission fees charged by universities for undergraduate entry, saying it further puts financial burden on prospective students and should be avoided.
“Having passed through the rigours of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), it was inappropriate to charge admission acceptance fees.
“Even the federally operated Universities charges admission fees highly.
“University of Ibadan – N35,000, University of Lagos – N20,000, Ahmadu Bello University – N30,000, Imo State University – N70,000 and Lagos State University – N20,000.”
The House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, after numerous interventions in support of the motion agreed that in four weeks the committee would submit its investigative report.
