The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized tertiary institutions across the country for imposing penalty fees on students who fail to pay their tuition before stipulated deadlines.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Secretary General, Oladimeji Uthman, the association described the growing practice as insensitive and unfair, especially considering the current economic hardship affecting many Nigerian families.
NANS stated that many students are not intentionally delaying payment of their fees but are struggling financially due to the country’s challenging economic conditions. According to the association, imposing extra charges on students who are already facing financial difficulties only worsens their situation.
The association also highlighted the challenges faced by beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that delays in loan processing and disbursement often prevent students from meeting their institutions’ tuition payment deadlines.
It explained that because NELFUND operates independently of individual school calendars, approved loans may not always be released before institutions close payment windows. As a result, students relying on the scheme are unfairly penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
NANS argued that education should remain accessible and should not be commercialized through policies that punish students for financial constraints. It stressed that the existing “No Payment, No Examination” policy already serves as an adequate measure to ensure compliance with tuition payment requirements.
According to the association, introducing additional penalty fees amounts to double punishment and places unnecessary barriers in the way of students seeking higher education.
The student body further described the continued imposition of late payment charges as counterproductive to government efforts aimed at easing the economic burden on citizens and improving access to education.
NANS therefore called on the management of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to immediately review and abolish policies that impose penalty fees for late tuition payments. It urged school authorities to adopt more student-friendly measures that balance administrative efficiency with the welfare of students.
The association also encouraged affected students to report cases of unfair penalty charges through its official channels, assuring them that it would engage relevant institutions and authorities to protect their rights and interests.
NANS warned that it would not hesitate to take appropriate action against institutions that continue to subject students to what it described as exploitative charges disguised as administrative penalties.
