Rights Group Blasts 117% Tuition Hike at Osun State Polytechnic Iree

 

The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has strongly condemned the recent 117% increase in tuition fees at Osun State Polytechnic Iree, calling it a "flagrant violation of the right of Nigerians to accessible and affordable education."

The group's statement, received by OneForAllMedia on January 8, 2024, comes amidst the ongoing national debate over the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange rate, both of which are expected to further burden students and parents struggling with rising costs.

"It should be clear that we are deeply disturbed by the recent decision of Osun State Polytechnic Iree to impose an exorbitant 117% hike in tuition fees," the statement reads. "This move directly contradicts the fundamental principles of accessible education as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

The CDHR argues that education is a basic human right and that any attempt to commercialize it runs counter to the principles of justice, equity, and societal progress. The group also criticizes the timing of the tuition increase, stating that it comes at a particularly difficult time for Nigerians.

"The cumulative effect of these measures will extremely affect the vulnerable and marginalized members of society, further limiting their access to education and spreading a cycle of poverty in the state," the statement continues.

The CDHR demands the immediate reversal of the tuition hike by Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, calling it a betrayal of his electoral promises to the people. The group also warns that if the increase is not reversed, it will view the government's recent cash disbursement to pensioners as a mere political ploy.

The statement concludes with a call for transparency and dialogue. "We call upon the Osun State government and the management of Osun State Polytechnic Iree to reconsider this decision and prioritize the right to education for all citizens," the CDHR urges. "As a human rights advocacy group, we urge the government to engage in transparent and inclusive dialogue with relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised by this drastic tuition fee hike."

The press release was issued by the Osun State chapter of the CDHR and signed by the chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olowu.