NANS Denounces NECO’s ₦50,000 Certificate Reprint Fee: Calls for Immediate Policy Change. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has firmly rejected the National Examination Council’s (NECO) decision to impose a ₦50,000 fee for certificate reprinting, labeling the policy as an unfair financial burden on students.
The move has sparked widespread outrage, with students and their representatives demanding a revision to ease the strain on learners.
NECO’s New ₦50,000 Certificate Reprint Fee Causes Uproar
On September 30, 2024, NECO, under its Registrar, Dantani Wushishi, introduced a policy that set the fee for reprinting certificates at ₦50,000. The fee applies to requests made within one year of the original issuance, with provisions for periodic reviews. This development has triggered a strong backlash from the student community, who see it as another unwelcome financial obstacle.
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NANS Condemns NECO’s Decision
Speaking on behalf of the student body, Abdulyekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the NANS Senate, issued a statement expressing deep dissatisfaction with the new policy. He criticized the ₦50,000 charge as excessive and unjust, arguing that it represents the commercialization of education at the expense of students who are already struggling with economic challenges.
Odunayo emphasized that Nigerian students, many of whom are battling harsh financial realities, cannot afford such a steep fee. He noted that the policy places an undue burden on students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, and questions NECO’s commitment to supporting educational access for all.
NANS Demands Immediate Reversal
NANS has called for the immediate withdrawal of the ₦50,000 reprint fee, arguing that it is not only outrageous but also threatens to widen the gap in educational access for disadvantaged students. According to NANS, the high cost could exclude many students from obtaining their certificates, effectively blocking their educational and professional progress.
The association has demanded that NECO reconsider its stance and reduce the fee to a more reasonable level. In addition, NANS is pushing for the certificate reprint request period to be extended to five years, giving students more time to apply without incurring excessive costs.
Transparency and Accountability Concerns
NANS also raised concerns about NECO’s credibility and transparency in decision-making. The student body questioned how NECO manages its funds and whether the current policy reflects a responsible approach to education management.
They argued that such a policy undermines the trust students place in NECO as an institution that should prioritize their welfare.
A Call for Inclusive Decision-Making
Beyond demanding a reversal of the fee, NANS is urging NECO to adopt a more inclusive approach to policy formulation, one that takes into account the needs and concerns of students. The association believes that students should have a say in decisions that directly affect their education and financial well-being.
NANS reiterated its stance that education should be affordable and accessible to all and made it clear that it will not stand by while education becomes a commodity that prices out vulnerable students. They are advocating for stakeholder meetings to ensure future decisions are more considerate of student needs.
Conclusion
The ₦50,000 certificate reprint fee imposed by NECO has sparked significant backlash from NANS, which has called for immediate policy changes. The student body demands that the fee be lowered to a more reasonable amount and that NECO adopts a more transparent and inclusive decision-making process. With students already facing economic hardships, NANS insists that NECO’s actions are unfair and contrary to the principles of accessible education.
