On September 30, 2024, the National Examination Council (NECO) announced a new policy requiring students to pay N50,000 for the reprinting of certificates, a decision that has been met with fierce backlash from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). In a statement delivered by NECO’s Registrar Dantani Wushishi, the fee is described as subject to periodic reviews and will be applicable only to requests made within one year of the original certificate’s issuance. This fee has sparked significant outrage, particularly given the current economic challenges faced by many students in Nigeria.
The NANS clerk of the Senate, Abdulyekinn Odunayo, vocally condemned NECO’s imposition of this fee, labeling it as an outrageous and inappropriate commercialization of education. He emphasized that the timing of this decision is particularly insensitive, considering the financial difficulties students are grappling with. Odunayo was particularly keen to highlight how this new policy brings into question NECO’s dedication to promoting accessible education, suggesting that it represents a fundamental misalignment with the needs and realities of Nigerian students.
In a detailed statement expressing their disapproval, NANS described the N50,000 fee as a “draconian policy” that fails to recognize the current financial pressures on students. They argued that such a fee would likely deepen the already existing financial exclusions faced by many students, potentially causing them to forfeit their rightful access to educational certificates. This, they noted, would perpetuate educational inequality by disproportionately affecting those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Moreover, the association’s comments reflect a growing concern over NECO’s overall fee structures and administrative transparency, prompting calls for better governance in education management.
The NANS reiterated its commitment to advocating for affordable, accessible, and quality education for all, characterizing the NECO fee as a blatant exploitation of students. This situation has ignited a larger conversation about the nature of educational policies and their impact on students; the association is demanding a reversal of the NECO fee and calling for a reassessment to find a more suitable and justifiable amount that reflects the economic realities faced by students today.
Furthermore, NANS is pushing for an extension of the reprint request deadline from one year to five years, a move they argue would allow for greater flexibility for students who may be unable to pay the hefty fee within the restricted timeframe. They are also advocating for a more collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders in educational decision-making, ensuring that policies are developed with student needs at the forefront.
In summary, the National Association of Nigerian Students is standing firm against the newly imposed N50,000 fee for reprinting NECO certificates. Their collective voice highlights the significant financial strain this decision places on students, many of whom are already facing economic hardships. NANS calls for immediate action to reverse the fee, improve engagement with student voices in policy decisions, and ultimately work towards making education in Nigeria more equitable and accessible for all students.
