- Assembly summons education commissioner and school heads as outcry mounts over rising costs for struggling families
The Kogi State House of Assembly has ordered Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, and Kogi State Polytechnic to suspend their recent school fee increases and return to the previous rates.
The directive followed a petition presented before the House by the Majority Leader, Dr. Suleiman Abdulrasaq, who represents Okene Town State Constituency. He said the increase had triggered public outcry, particularly among parents and students, and that the institutions had not consulted adequately before introducing the new rates.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf acknowledged that both institutions had laws backing their actions. He said, however, that the increase was not in the best interest of the state government, given the prevailing economic hardship.
The House resolved to invite the Commissioner for Education and the management of both institutions to appear before it and explain the rationale for the increase.
Several lawmakers backed the resolution. Hon. Mekudi Idrees, Hon. Abu Onoruoza of Ajaokuta State Constituency and Hon. Bin Ebaya Shehu Tijani of Lokoja One State Constituency said the higher fees could further burden parents and make access to affordable education harder.
The lawmakers urged the government and the institutions to take account of the economic realities facing families across the state.
