Niger State Youth Rally Against Proposed Tax Reform Bill, Protesters Oppose New Policies with Unified Voice

Youth across Niger State took to the streets today in a peaceful protest against the controversial Tax Reform Bill currently being deliberated in the National Assembly. The demonstrators carried placards with emphatic slogans such as “WE SAY NO TO TAX REFORM BILLS” and “WE SAY NO TO SCHOOL FEES HIKE.” Their grievances center around the proposed reforms, which they claim will exacerbate economic hardship and stifle educational opportunities for young Nigerians.

The protesters expressed their disapproval of what they termed as an attempt to burden struggling families with additional taxes. “This bill shows no concern for the realities we face daily,” said one of the protest leaders. Youths urged lawmakers to reconsider the bill, emphasizing that the government should explore alternatives to fund national projects without increasing the financial strain on ordinary citizens.

Call to Protect Access to Education Amid Fee Hike Concerns

“We Say No to School Fees Hike,” Chant Protesters
Another focal point of the protest was the rumored increase in school fees at tertiary institutions across the country. Placards demanding, “WE SAY NO TO SCHOOL FEES HIKE,” highlighted the frustration of young Nigerians who see education as their only route to a better future. Many believe such a hike will deny access to quality education for students from low-income families.

Parents and community leaders joined the youth in solidarity, decrying the absence of government subsidies for public education. “Instead of prioritizing investment in the youth, the proposed hikes will exclude those who cannot afford the already costly system,” lamented a protester. Protesters called for transparent dialogue with stakeholders to ensure affordable education for all.

Scrapping of TETFund Sparks Public Outcry, Protesters: “We Say No to TETFund Extinction”

A significant segment of the protest was directed at proposals to phase out the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a crucial institution that funds infrastructure and research in Nigerian universities. Demonstrators held banners reading, “WE SAY NO TO SCRAPPING OF TETFUND” as they marched through major streets.

Protesters argued that eliminating TETFund would lead to a collapse of academic development in tertiary institutions, further disadvantaging students and staff. They appealed to the government to strengthen, rather than dismantle, institutions that directly benefit education. “We need support to thrive academically, not policies that dismantle what little progress we have,” said a university student among the protesters.

Niger State Youth Resist “Extinction” of TETFund Contributions, Reinforcing the Need for Educational Support

Niger State Youth activists emphasized that discontinuing TETFund would result in the “extinction” of progress in the education sector. Placards with bold statements like “WE SAY NO TO TETFUND EXTINCTION” were prominently displayed. Protesters demanded immediate assurances from the government that TETFund would not only continue to exist but also be adequately funded.

The youth highlighted several success stories linked to TETFund, from upgraded facilities to improved research funding in universities. “Scrapping TETFund will roll back years of progress and plunge education into darkness,” said a protest leader. Protesters called on policymakers to make decisions that reflect the priorities of the people.

Opposition to NELFUND Debt Sparks Further Criticism, Niger State Youths Decry Debt Bondage Allegations

The protest also targeted concerns surrounding the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund (NELFUND), which some protesters described as a “debt bondage scheme.” Placards stating “WE SAY NO TO NELFUND DEBT BONDAGE” indicated fears that loans from NELFUND would burden students with lifelong debt.

Protesters argued that the initiative lacks transparency and would leave graduates worse off financially. “We cannot mortgage our future for education that should be a right, not a privilege,” said one protester. They called for reforms in how educational financing is managed, urging the government to prioritize scholarships and grants over loans.

Niger State Youth Urge Government to Reconsider Policies, A Call for Dialogue and Responsible Governance

At the end of the protest, Niger State youth called on the federal and state governments to engage in dialogue with stakeholders before implementing any of the proposed policies. They stressed the importance of inclusive decision-making to prevent actions that could exacerbate poverty and hinder access to education.

Leaders of the demonstration reiterated their commitment to peaceful advocacy, warning that continued neglect of their demands could lead to intensified actions. “We will not stand by as our future is sacrificed for poorly thought-out policies,” one of the youth leaders concluded.