{
  "id": 17073111,
  "title": "Reps minority leader faults Kalu over tuition waiver motion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/reps-minority-leader-faults-kalu-over-tuition-waiver-motion-17073111",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T14:38:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/reps-minority-leader-faults-kalu-over-tuition-waiver-motion/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "House Minority Leader Fred Agbedi criticized Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for inviting House Leader Prof Julius Ihonvbere to speak on a motion requesting a one-year tuition fee waiver for federal tertiary institution students. Agbedi argued that the move violated House Rules, stating the motion had already been stepped down and was no longer before the House for further debate. The disagreement arose after the motion's sponsor, Ahmed Satomi, decided to withdraw the proposal after consultations with Ihonvbere, who addressed some concerns. Calming the situation, Agbedi questioned the necessity of the proposed waiver, arguing that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund law already provided a framework for student financial support. He also deemed it an aberration for Ihonvbere to be summoned to discuss the matter, which had no place in the House's rulebook. Despite the controversy, Satomi had previously informed the House that he had consulted with Ihonvbere before stepping down the motion. The NELFUND, which disbursed N372.6bn to students as of September 29, 2026, had received over 2.3 million applications, benefiting 319 institutions and 1.66 million students. The proposed waiver aimed to alleviate the financial burden on students amid rising living costs following the removal of the petrol subsidy.",
  "summary": "House of Reps Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, has faulted Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu over a motion seeking a one-year tuition fee waiver for students. Read More: https://punchng.com/reps-minority-leader-faults-kalu-over-tuition-waiver-motion/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}