The Osun State branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed disapproval over the recent increase in Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, tuition rates.
In a statement released on Tuesday by state chairman Emmanuel Olowu, Osun CDHR characterised the increase as a blatant infringement on Nigerians’ right to an inexpensive and easily accessible education in a period where fuel subsidy has been removed.
The group called on the state administration to quickly undo the increase in school fees since it goes against what Governor Ademola Adeleke promised the good people of Osun State during the election.
It said, “we would like the government to note that in case it fails to reverse the said criminal increment, we shall become of the view that one of the tasks your government gave Mr. Kehinde Alabi is to come and generate funds for you at the detriment of the promise you made to the electorate.
“Education is a basic human right, and any attempt to commercialize it runs counter to the principles of justice, equity, and societal progress.
“The timing of this tuition fee increment is particularly troubling, coming at a period when the nation is grappling with the removal of fuel subsidy.”
As previously reported, the Osun Poly administration’s intention to raise tuition prices was met with opposition from both the student body and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Tope Alabi, a spokesperson for the institution, defended the tuition fee increase, arguing that it was the correct move given that the previous system of fees was no longer sustainable.
Alabi continued, saying that in an effort to find a compromise, a meeting has been scheduled between the various stakeholders and the school administration.