That unrealistic LASU fees hike



Governor Fashola



Disapprovals and indignations have greeted the recent hike in school fees for students of Lagos State University (LASU). Nevertheless, the Babatunde Raji Fashola government has shown no indication it is ready to shift grounds on this ill-advised policy. Governor Fashola is depopularising education and thus making it exclusive for the children of the rich. Hiking fees from N25, 000 to between N195,000 and N350,000 per session for fresh students smacks of insensitivity of the highest order. With the existence of diverse regimes of taxes which already are seen as huge burdens to Lagosians, it is unwise for a government that is reluctant to implement a meagre N18, 000 minimum wage to even contemplate a 750 percent hike in school fees. This indeed is an expensive joke; a caricature of its highest magnitude.

One can’t help but wonder if government now wakes up from its slumber and announces a new policy without carrying out an elaborate assessment of its impact on the society? Lagosians would like to know the background and antecedents of the members of the Visitation Panel that recommended these new fees. Is their decision inclined towards self-seeking; a reversal of the gains of liberalised education policy for which Lagos was known with an aristocratic one?

David Cameron’s dangerous recolonising gambit

UK PM, David Cameron

Paul Arhewe,

(Published 2nd December, 2011)

When the Common Wealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) wound off in Perth, Australia last October, the British Prime, Minister David Cameron, left with a parting shot: zero tolerance to gay life style is now a prerequisite for African nations seeking aid from the United Kingdom. This decision ought to and should be a conscience assault on a continent that is reeling in hunger and famine and the crippling effects of corruption and bad governance.

The position of the self acclaimed ‘lord of our civilisation’ is nothing but a recolonisation of our consciences and values.