The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has hailed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the newly introduced examination fees, describing the move as a victory for the Nigerian people.
In a statement made available to The News Chronicle, Obi commended the authorities for listening to widespread public outcry and reversing the policy. However, he argued that the fee hike should never have been introduced, especially at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship.
According to him, the country should be focused on investing in basic education and reducing the growing number of out-of-school children rather than imposing additional financial burdens on struggling families.
“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.
Obi warned that multiple charges at the basic education level could deny many children their constitutional right to education, stressing that government has a responsibility to educate and prepare young Nigerians for productive lives rather than create financial barriers that keep them out of school.
He further stated that true leadership is measured not only by the ability to make decisions but also by the willingness to reverse policies that inflict unnecessary hardship on citizens.
Obi urged the government to review other policies he described as anti-people, saying they also deserve urgent reconsideration.
He also applauded citizens, parents and advocacy groups whose sustained pressure, he said, contributed to the suspension of the examination fee policy.
