Free Education: ECWA Urges Tinubu To Eliminate Tuition Fees In Government Tertiary Institutions

The Evangelical Church Winning All, has requested President Bola Tinubu to eliminate tuition fees in all Federal Government tertiary institutions.

This request aimed to alleviate the challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidy in the country.

During a news conference held on Thursday to announce the church’s upcoming concert and convention in Lagos, ECWA President, Stephen Panya, expressed gratitude to Tinubu for the efforts to restore the value of the naira.

However, he emphasised the need for additional measures to alleviate the current hardships faced by Nigerians.

He said, “The current effort to revamp the economy, especially the restoration of the value of the naira, is commendable.

“However, immediate and far-reaching intervention measures are necessary to mitigate the current hardships on Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira.

“This has already exacerbated the high rates of inflation, unemployment, and multi-dimensional poverty.

“There is a need to significantly increase workers’ wages and make all Federal Government tertiary institutions tuition-free, while other medium and long-term plans are being worked out.”

He added that the government must prioritise responsible fiscal management.

“This involves cutting unnecessary expenses, enhancing revenue collection and implementing targeted subsidies and social safety nets for vulnerable groups through the re-invigorated national social investment programme.

“The 1999 Constitution, as amended, has unequivocally affirmed the status of Nigeria as a secular, united and indivisible country.

“This is in recognition of the multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural configuration of the country.

“Unfortunately, over the years, this country has been deeply fractured along ethnic, regional, and religious lines and is thus desperately in need of healing,” he said.

He said the administration of President Tinubu must, therefore, work assiduously to unite the nation and ensure national cohesion and integration.

“To actualise this, the administration must build bridges across all divides, promote inclusiveness, ensure equitable distribution of democracy dividends, abolish discriminatory policies and give every segment of Nigerian society a sense of belonging.

“This is why the 1999 Constitution made provision for the federal character principle,” he said.

He admonished all Nigerians to appropriate the love of God to one another.

“Nigeria is not an accident of history but the product of God’s divine providence.

“God brought us together from diverse backgrounds so we can appreciate and cherish our common humanity.

“Let us all work together to translate our diversities into strength, progress, and development.

“As Christians, we shall continue to obey the command of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to live in peace with everyone,” he said