The Peoples Democratic Party’s Federal House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa, Usman Okai Austin, has strongly criticised the decision of the Kogi State Government to raise school fees for public secondary school students from N2000 to N4000.
Okai said Governor Usman Ododo’s anti-people policy of increasing school fees will worsen the situation in public schools.
He described the move as regressive and likely to further impoverish vulnerable members of society.
Okai, in a statement, said instead of increasing fees, the government should prioritise improving the secondary school system by investing in critical infrastructure that is currently in a state of disrepair.
According to Okai: “The 100 per cent fee hike is expected to result in a significant number of students dropping out due to their inability to afford the new fees.
“It is disheartening that while many states like Taraba, Enugu, Anambra, Ogun, Osun and Ogun are implementing free education policies from primary to secondary schools, Kogi State is taking a different path.
“Governor Usman Ododo’s administration’s decision is viewed as anti-people and will worsen the already challenging situation in public secondary schools in the state. The neglect of these facilities has created an unfavourable learning environment, and the new fee policy will only make it more difficult for students to access education.
“The heightened school fees will disproportionately impact the less privileged, who are already facing financial difficulties. With four terms in a year, each student will now be required to pay a total of N16,000, a sum that many families cannot afford. This will only add to the burden faced by underprivileged students.
“The government’s lack of significant education policies and this recent decision highlight their misplaced priorities. It is crucial for the government to reconsider this move and strive towards establishing an inclusive and accessible education system for all. The people of Kogi State are calling for a reversal of this unfavourable policy and a commitment to investing in the education sector.”
