NLC Protest: FG Approves Commuter Buses For Tertiary Institutions, Warns Authorities Against Arbitrary Hike In Sundry Fees

Ahead of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) nationwide protest, the Federal government has moved to douse tension of hardship generated by the removal of fuel subsidy and frequent increases in fuel pump prices, by approving commuter buses in all tertiary institutions in the country.

It further directed the authorities of the Institutions to resist the urge of arbitrary increase in sundry fees, advising that where possible, it should be differed.

OPTIMUM TIMES recalls that the NLC has scheduled a nationwide strike protest on 2nd August, 2023 at the expiry of a week ultimatum given to the federal government to alleviate the sufferings and hardship associated with the subsidy removal and frequent hike of petroleum pump price.

President Tinubu who gave the approval for the buses, explained that it was meant to remove the burden of students’ transportation while in school from their parents.

A statement by the presidential spokesman, Dele Aleke, said in furtherance of the desire to ease the burden of the fuel subsidy removal on students of higher institutions of learning, President Bola Tinubu has approved provision of buses to the students’ bodies of all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

He explained that the desire of the President was to see that students can access their campuses without much difficulty as a result of higher transportation costs.

Further, he said the provision of the buses will also remove the burden of additional cost of daily commuting on parents and guardians.

In line with his promise to ensure no Nigerian student abandons his or her educational pursuits as a result of lack of money and economic circumstances of their parents, President Tinubu has also approved the removal of all restrictions on the students’ loan to make it available to any student or household that may desire it.

Similarly, President Tinubu has directed the authorities in all Federal Institutions of higher learning to avoid arbitrary increase in sundry fees payable and where possible defer further increase so that parents and students don’t face too many difficulties.

While it is important to reiterate that President Tinubu has directed release of over 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains to families in 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the government is working to ensure that vulnerable students can also benefit from conditional cash transfers and food distribution.

The Federal Government salutes the courage, wisdom and partnership of Nigerian Students as our country navigates this challenging time.

President Tinubu will continue to prioritise education and the needs of the students, improve welfare of teaching and non-academic staff and invest in infrastructure to make our institutions of higher learning become more globally competitive.