The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced strong opposition to a recent decision by the National Examination Council (NECO) to impose a hefty fee of N50,000 for reprinting certificates. This announcement, made by Dantani Wushishi, the Registrar of NECO, has raised significant concerns among students who are already grappling with financial challenges.
In a statement released from Minna, Niger State, Wushishi informed the public that the new fee for certificate reprints would be subject to periodic reviews and that such requests would only be entertained within one year of the original certificate’s issuance. This move, according to NECO, is intended to streamline the process of certificate reprinting.
However, NANS has strongly condemned this policy. Comrade Abdulyekinn Odunayo, the Clerk of the Senate for NANS, described the fee as “outrageous” and a blatant commercialization of education. He expressed deep concern for students who are already struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate.
Odunayo pointed out that imposing a N50,000 fee at this time places an additional and unacceptable burden on students. Many of them are dealing with financial hardships, and this new policy only adds to their struggles. He emphasized that such a fee could hinder access to essential educational documents, disproportionately affecting those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Furthermore, Odunayo highlighted issues related to NECO’s fee structure, arguing that it lacks transparency. This has sparked concerns regarding the potential mismanagement of funds and the efficiency of NECO’s services. The ambiguity surrounding the new fee raises doubts about NECO’s commitment to supporting students and ensuring equitable access to education.
NANS remains steadfast in its advocacy for affordable and quality education. The association is calling for an immediate reversal of the N50,000 fee, insisting that it be reduced to a more affordable amount. They also demand that the deadline for certificate reprint requests be extended to five years, allowing students adequate time to make their requests without the added pressure of a short timeline.
Additionally, NANS is advocating for increased stakeholder engagement to ensure that decisions made by NECO and other educational authorities prioritize the needs and welfare of students. They believe that student voices must be included in discussions about educational policies, especially those that directly impact their lives.
In conclusion, the imposition of the N50,000 certificate reprint fee by NECO has sparked significant backlash from NANS and the broader student community. As students face mounting financial pressures, this policy has been labeled as a step backward in the fight for accessible education. NANS will continue to stand up against the commercialization of education and work tirelessly to ensure that all students have fair access to their educational credentials without facing financial barriers. The association remains committed to advocating for policies that promote equity and support the educational aspirations of all Nigerian students.
