As Nigeria begins the 2026 calendar year, the Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network, CJAN, and the Association for Students’ Social Welfare, ASSW, have called on the Federal Government to introduce structured student airfare policies and review aviation taxes, warning that rising air travel costs are increasingly limiting access to education and skills development.

The appeal was contained in a joint press statement signed by Taiwo Ajayi, Founder of CJAN; Boluwatife Adedokun, Executive Director of CJAN; Boluwatife Fakorede Adedoyin, Community Outreach Coordinator of CJAN; and Victor Adetolaju, Founder and National Coordinator of ASSW.

In the statement, the organisations urged government and aviation regulators to prioritise affordable air travel for students, describing mobility as critical to education, research collaboration and national development.

They called for clear and enforceable student airfare frameworks covering both domestic and international routes, alongside a comprehensive review of what they described as the heavy tax burden on the aviation sector, which continues to push ticket prices upward.

While acknowledging recent airline-led student discount initiatives on select international routes, including those offered by Air Peace, the groups stressed that such discounts remain voluntary corporate promotions and are not guaranteed or consistent.

“Students cannot plan their academic futures on the basis of temporary promotions. Current discounts depend on airline discretion, route availability and time-bound policies,” the noted.

Highlighting the scale of the challenge, CJAN and ASSW referenced data showing that more than 90,000 Nigerians study abroad annually, with billions of dollars spent on foreign education each year.

Domestically, they noted that rising airfares between states are affecting students travelling for admissions processes, academic conferences, industrial training, competitions and research activities.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Taiwo Ajayi, Founder of CJAN, said student mobility should be treated as a national investment rather than a luxury.

He said.“When students are denied access to opportunities because of high travel costs, Nigeria loses innovation, research output and human capital growth. Supporting student mobility in 2026 should be seen as a strategic investment in the country’s future workforce.”

Boluwatife Adedokun, Executive Director of CJAN, said the new year should mark a shift from ad-hoc interventions to long-term policy solutions.

“We commend airlines that have introduced student discounts, but reliance on short-term promotions is not sustainable. Students need transparent, year-round frameworks for both domestic and international travel,” Adesosun said.

On the grassroots impact, Boluwatife Fakorede Adedoyin, Community Outreach Coordinator of CJAN, said structured travel support would significantly expand students’ academic and global exposure.

“Affordable air travel would allow more Nigerian students to participate in research, exchange programmes and specialised learning. These opportunities shape students into agents of change,” Adedoyin said.

Also speaking, Victor Adetolaju, Founder and National Coordinator of ASSW and the Students Chamber of Commerce, linked student mobility to broader economic and development goals.

He said, “Students are not just learners; they are national assets and future leaders. High aviation taxes increase airline operating costs, raise fares and ultimately restrict access. Reducing these barriers is essential for national development.”

The groups expressed concern over the Tax Reform Act 2025, which takes effect in January 2026 and removes previous exemptions on aircraft, spare parts and airline tickets, making them subject to value-added tax and other duties.

Industry analysts have warned that the changes could further increase operating costs for airlines and translate into higher fares for passengers.

As part of their New Year appeal, CJAN and ASSW urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, revenue authorities and airline operators to reassess aviation taxes and levies, engage stakeholders to balance revenue generation with affordability, and introduce structured student fare programmes supported by clear policy incentives.

They said easing the tax and operational burden on airlines would expand student mobility in 2026, strengthen access to education and research opportunities, and contribute to Nigeria’s human capital development and global competitiveness.