**Femi Falana: A Voice for Education Rights**
Human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has raised his voice in condemnation of the recent hike in school fees by the federal and Lagos state governments. Calling the move illegal, Falana highlighted the implications of the sharp increase on parents and students, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
In a surprising decision, the federal government nearly doubled the fees for Unity Schools, raising them from N45,000 to N100,000 per term, a significant jump of over 120%. Similarly, the Lagos State government announced a new fee structure of N100,000 per term for state-owned boarding schools, which was previously set at N35,000.
Falana, known for his unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and justice, was quick to point out that these fee increments go against established laws such as the Child’s Rights Act and Lagos State Child’s Rights Law. He emphasized that the new fees, surpassing the minimum wage of N70,000, have placed an unbearable financial burden on working-class families, making it nearly impossible for them to afford quality education for their children.
Under the Child’s Rights Act and Lagos State Child’s Rights Law, every child is entitled to free and compulsory education from primary school to junior secondary school. By imposing exorbitant fees on students, both at the federal and state level, the government is essentially denying children their fundamental rights to education.
Falana vowed to challenge this decision in the appropriate High Courts, standing up against what he perceives as a violation of the rights of Nigerian children. He underlined the discrepancy between the fee structures and the government’s obligations to provide accessible and quality education for all.
In a broader context, Falana’s stance sheds light on the larger issues plaguing the education system in Nigeria. Despite the existence of various educational laws and policies aimed at promoting inclusive and equitable education, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The failure of state governments to access allocated funds for Universal Basic Education further compounds the challenges faced by schools and students across the country.
As Femi Falana continues to be a staunch advocate for justice and equality, his critique of the school fee hikes serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for educational rights in Nigeria. Through his actions and words, he champions the cause of those marginalized by unjust policies, offering a beacon of hope for a fairer and more inclusive education system.
In conclusion, the debate around school fees is not just about numbers; it is about the fundamental rights of children to receive a quality education without discrimination. Femi Falana’s unwavering commitment to holding authorities accountable for their actions resonates as a powerful call to action for a more just and equitable society.
Let’s embrace justice, inclusion and equality in education – principles that Femi Falana embodies and passionately defends.