The National Association of University Students (NAUS), through the Office of the Director of Campus Intervention, has strongly condemned the recent increase in data plan tariffs by MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria.
The student body describes the price hikes as exploitative and detrimental to students, particularly at a time when they are already grappling with rising tuition fees, soaring living costs, and an inflation rate at an all-time high.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 13, by Comrade Ologe John Tobiloba, the Director of Campus Intervention, NAUS decried the timing of the tariff increases, noting that Nigerian students are already burdened with financial challenges.
The hikes come as a significant strain on students who rely on internet access for academic and personal development.
With education increasingly reliant on online resources, this tariff increase has been described as a direct threat to students’ academic well-being and future prospects.
The growing reliance on the internet for academic research, virtual learning, assignments, and job applications makes affordable internet access a necessity for students.
“In today’s digital era, internet access is not a luxury, but an essential tool for academic progress,” NAUS stated in its release.
The body warned that the increase in data costs will disproportionately affect struggling students, who rely on the internet to access learning platforms that are crucial for their academic success.
Students also utilise the digital space to develop employable skills, participate in online courses, access digital mentorship programs, and engage in research that contributes to innovation.
However, the increased cost of data is expected to make these opportunities less accessible, widening the gap between privileged and underprivileged students.
Many students also depend on the internet to run small-scale businesses or freelance work to support themselves financially, and this price hike could push them deeper into economic hardship.
In addition to the academic implications, the price increase will have a significant impact on students’ social and mental well-being. The internet provides vital social connections, from networking opportunities to access to mental health support groups and professional communities.
The price hike will isolate students from these crucial resources, potentially leading to long-term consequences on their social engagement, mental health, and career progression.
NAUS has called for an immediate reversal of the data tariff increases. The statement emphasised that Nigerian students would not stand idly by while corporate greed undermines their academic aspirations and financial stability.
“If this issue is not urgently addressed, NAUS will have no option but to mobilise students for peaceful protests and coordinated demonstrations across campuses and major cities,” the student body warned.
NAUS has urged both MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria to prioritise affordable internet access for students, highlighting that education is a key driver of national development.
The student association stresses that restricting access to education through excessive internet costs is an injustice that cannot be accepted.
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) represents the collective voice of Nigerian university students, advocating for their rights and welfare.
The association continues to fight for the interests of students, ensuring that education remains accessible and affordable for all.
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