Says increment will make education less affordable on families, urges government to withdraw proposal

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has opposed the proposed increase in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) registration fee from ₦27,000 to ₦50,000, saying the move would place more financial pressure on millions of Nigerian families already facing economic hardship.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the National Amir of MSSN, Engr. Tajudeen Mustapha Olumide, and the society’s 38th National Public Relations Officer, Mallam Moshood Abiola Olatunbi. The society said it was contradictory for the government to express concern over the growing number of out-of-school children while considering a policy that could push more students out of the classroom, insisting that education should be more affordable and accessible, not more expensive.

According to the statement, the proposed increase does not reflect the economic realities facing many Nigerians. It noted that rising inflation, unemployment and the high cost of living have made it difficult for many parents to meet basic needs, warning that the higher fee could prevent many bright but poor students from completing their secondary education and pursuing higher learning.

MSSN also described the proposal as a threat to the goal of ensuring equal access to education and a setback to efforts aimed at reducing educational inequality. It added that no nation seeking genuine development should place financial barriers before its young people.

The society therefore called on its Area Units, Area Councils and branches in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the country to remain vigilant and respond through lawful and peaceful means to any policy that undermines students’ right to affordable education.

It urged its structures nationwide to engage relevant stakeholders, advocate peacefully and raise public awareness on the implications of the proposed increase.

MSSN also appealed to parents, school administrators, civil society organisations, labour unions, religious bodies, student organisations and all supporters of quality education to reject the proposed fee hike and demand its immediate withdrawal.

The society further called on the Minister of Education, relevant examination authorities and other stakeholders to address Nigerians on the issue and stop the proposed increase without delay. It urged the government to adopt policies that expand access to education, reduce the financial burden on families and restore public confidence in the education sector.

MSSN maintained that Nigeria’s future depends on the education of its youth, warning that policies that make education unaffordable would deepen poverty, widen inequality and slow national development. It therefore demanded the immediate reversal of the proposed SSCE registration fee hike and called on the government to demonstrate its commitment to making education accessible and affordable for every Nigerian child.