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Says Education Should Be a Right, Not a Revenue Source, Urges Review of Other ‘Anti-People’ Policies
ABUJA – Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the Federal Government’s suspension of the recently introduced examination fees, describing the decision as “a victory for the Nigerian people” and proof that responsive leadership listens to the voices of citizens.
In a statement titled “Suspension of Examination Fees: A Victory for the People,” Obi commended the authorities for responding to widespread public opposition to the policy but maintained that the examination fees should never have been introduced in the first place, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship.
“I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people,” Obi declared.
The former Anambra State governor praised the government’s decision to reverse the policy, describing it as an example of leadership that acknowledges public concerns.
“While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria,” he stated.
Obi stressed that the prevailing economic realities demand policies that ease the burden on citizens rather than introduce additional financial obligations that could deny children access to education.
According to him, with many households struggling to meet their daily needs, government efforts should be focused on expanding educational opportunities instead of limiting them through additional charges.
“At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate warned that imposing multiple fees at the basic education level could worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis by creating financial barriers for vulnerable families.
He argued that government has a constitutional and moral responsibility to invest in education and prepare young Nigerians for productive lives rather than discourage school enrolment through avoidable levies.
“Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school,” Obi added.
Obi further noted that effective governance is measured not only by the ability to make decisions but also by the willingness to correct policies that negatively affect citizens.
“True leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration,” he said.
The former presidential contender also expressed appreciation to parents, civil society organisations, advocacy groups and concerned Nigerians whose sustained campaign against the examination fees contributed to the government’s decision to suspend the policy.
“I thank the citizens, parents, and advocacy groups whose voices made this reversal possible,” he said.
Reaffirming his vision for the country, Obi concluded the statement with his signature message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
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