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Rising Fees: Parents, Students Demand Relief Amid Economic Challenges
Parents and students across Nigerian universities have expressed their concerns and appeal for measures to alleviate the burden of increasing tuition fees, as economic hardships persist. Read about the impact of rising fees and the urgent need for support in the education sector.
As the economic challenges in Nigeria continue to take a toll on its citizens, parents and students are grappling with another pressing issue—the alarming hike in university fees. The escalating cost of education has sparked widespread outcry, with fears of increased financial strain and potential mass dropouts. In this article, we explore the repercussions of rising fees, the factors contributing to this trend, and the urgent call for relief from parents and students across the country.
The Impact Of Soaring Tuition Fees
The recent adjustments in registration fees for various courses across federal and state-owned universities have sent shockwaves through Nigerian society. Reports indicate that some increments have reached a staggering 300%, exacerbating the economic woes faced by ordinary citizens. The removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have further compounded the financial burden on parents and students seeking higher education.
Economic Struggles
Parents and students alike are grappling with the harsh realities of an economy marred by inflation, rising living costs, and reduced purchasing power. Many families are already burdened with expenses related to food, transportation, and utilities, leaving them ill-equipped to bear the additional financial strain of increased tuition fees.
Lack of Access to Students’ Loan Scheme
While the recently enacted Students’ Loan Bill was expected to provide relief, the lack of clarity on how the scheme will benefit Nigerians has only deepened the complexity of the situation. Parents and educationists are concerned that the ambiguity surrounding the loan scheme may hinder eligible students from accessing the financial support they desperately need.
Self-Sponsored Students’ Plight
Students who finance their education through small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or menial jobs face significant challenges in accessing the students’ loan scheme. Many fear that the stringent requirements and limited availability of funds may render the scheme practically inaccessible, leaving them without the means to pay their fees.
Protests and Demands for Mitigation
The mounting grievances against soaring university fees have prompted students to take to the streets in protest. At Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Edo State, students recently staged a demonstration against a nearly 300% increase in registration fees. Law students, for instance, are now expected to pay as much as N741,500 compared to the previous year’s N185,000. The students lament the state government’s disregard for the financial constraints faced by the less privileged, asserting that education should not be reserved solely for the affluent.
Similarly, students and parents in Borno and Kano states have expressed their concerns about the far-reaching implications of increased fees. The University of Maiduguri and Bayero University Kano have announced significant hikes, prompting worries about a surge in dropout rates and limiting access to higher education for ordinary Nigerians. The stories of struggling students and their families highlight the urgency for action.
Appealing For Support
Parents, students, and education stakeholders are calling upon the government to address the rising university fees crisis promptly. They advocate for the provision of mitigating factors and the revitalization of the economy before implementing further subsidy removals in the education sector. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to prioritize these measures to prevent mass dropouts and ensure that affordable education remains within reach for all.
The Dilemma of University Administrators
While the outcry from parents and students is understandable, university administrators face their own set of challenges. Rising operational costs, continuing to provide quality education, and maintaining infrastructure necessitate a steady stream of funding. As a result, administrators find themselves caught between the need to generate revenue through increased fees and the responsibility to make education accessible to all.
To address this dilemma, some university administrators are exploring alternative funding models. Collaborations with private enterprises, seeking grants and donations, and implementing cost-cutting measures are among the strategies being considered. However, these efforts alone may not be sufficient to alleviate the financial strain on parents and students.
Transparent And Inclusive Dialogue
A transparent and inclusive dialogue between the government, university administrators, students, parents, and other stakeholders is crucial. This dialogue should focus on finding sustainable solutions that balance the financial needs of the universities with the affordability of education for students.
Financial Aid And Scholarships
Governments, philanthropic organizations, and private enterprises should step forward to provide financial aid and scholarships to deserving students. By increasing the availability of scholarships and grants, more students can access higher education without being burdened by excessive fees.
Strengthening Students’ Loan Scheme
The government should ensure the effective implementation of the Students’ Loan Bill, providing clear guidelines and processes for students to access loans. The scheme should consider the needs of self-sponsored students and simplify the application process to facilitate broader participation.
Economic Reforms and Job Creation
Implementing economic reforms and initiatives that promote job creation can help alleviate the financial struggles faced by parents and students. By improving the overall economic climate, individuals will have better opportunities to meet their financial obligations, including university fees.
Investment in Education
Governments should prioritize investment in the education sector to ensure the sustainability and affordability of higher education. This includes adequately funding universities, supporting research and innovation, and creating an enabling environment for quality education.
The rising university fees in Nigeria have placed a heavy burden on parents and students, exacerbating the economic challenges already faced by many. Urgent action is required to address this issue and ensure that education remains accessible and affordable for all. Through transparent dialogue, financial aid initiatives, strengthening the students’ loan scheme, and promoting economic reforms, the government, university administrators, and stakeholders can work together to mitigate the impact of rising fees and safeguard the future of Nigerian higher education.
By Abubakar Yunusa
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has slashed its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N825.
Esan Sunday, head of media relations and branding communications at Dangote Group, announced the reduction in a statement on Wednesday.
The development comes more than three weeks after the refinery reduced petrol price from N950 per litre to N890.
The new price means that the refinery has significantly cut the ex-depot price by N125 from N950 per litre in January.
“This recent price reduction will also ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos,” the statement reads.
“This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
“It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians.
“This marks the second reduction of PMS prices in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60 earlier in the month.
“Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.”
The oil firm refinery also said previous reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy.
Dangote refinery added that its high-quality products, which have become a favourite in both domestic and international markets, will remain available nationwide, particularly through its key partners — MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden — at market-friendly rates.
The organisation assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange (FX) earnings.
The refinery also called on marketers to support the initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of its effort
Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the ruling party had a debt of N8.9 billion when he assumed office.
Ganduje took over from Abdullahi Adamu, who was the national chairman of the APC until his resignation in July 2023.
Speaking during the APC’s NEC meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the former Kano governor said the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.
“The current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities to the total tune of N8,987,874,663, arising from various legal engagements,” Ganduje said.
However, the APC chairman said Kareem Kana, the national legal adviser, has been working to reduce the debt burden.
“We still passionately appeal to the national executive committee to intervene accordingly,” he said.
Earlier today, the chairman said the party is making efforts to mend internal divisions and bring aggrieved members back into the fold.
Ganduje explained that the APC had initiated high-level discussions among party leaders and stakeholders to address lingering disagreements and strengthen party unity.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.