The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced a nationwide protest on 14 January 2026, targeting recently enacted tax reforms, which students say threaten funding for tertiary education.
NANS says the new Nigeria Tax Act replaces the Tertiary Education Tax with a “Development Levy.” Under the new law, revenue going to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) will gradually drop to zero by 2030.
Instead, 100% of the funds will go to the Student Education Loan Fund.
Student leaders warn that this will leave universities underfunded and saddle graduates with heavy debt.
They also describe the law changes as a “constitutional breach” and “betrayal of public trust.”
The protest also opposes planned increases in Value Added Tax (VAT), rising from 7.5% to 10% in 2025 and 12.5% in 2026.
NANS says higher taxes, combined with inflation and stagnant incomes, will push tuition fees even higher.
A spokesperson for NANS said, “We cannot stay silent while the future of Nigerian youth is taxed away.
The January 14 protest will be peaceful but firm. We demand the government prioritise the welfare of students and the survival of our schools.”
The demonstration is expected to see students from across Nigeria join in major cities.
