Ambrose Alli University Students Protest Hike in Tuition Fee
Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, Edo state have staged a protest following an alleged hike in school fees by the varsity management on Friday, 28th of October. According to punch, the protesters carried placards with inscriptions accusing the authorities of increasing the fees by 400%. The alleged fees were increased from N47, 000 to N160, 000 for some faculties and N200, 000 and more for others.
The students of the institution lamented that the current situation of things in the country would not allow them pay the stated amount, the students also urged the state government and the school’s management to revert to the old fees, stating that it would keep students from turning to crime or prostitution in a bid to meet up with the payment as their parents would be unable to.
Speaking with punch, one of the students, Ehanire Aisosa, lamented on the increment noting that it was in contradiction with the ideals of the founding fathers of the institution, which was “Education for all”.
Another student identified as Eghosa said she told her mother about the situation and she advised her to withdraw and apply for admission to a different university. “I am tired of the situation and my parents are not financially buoyant. Where do they expect us to see the money? So they have to reduce it, she said.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the University, Edward Aihevba, who dismissed the claims stating they were false. He also said that although the increase was initiated for fresh students by the old administration, it did not affect other levels.
“What they are saying is completely untrue. There has been no increase in school fees. Even the VC, during the inaugural lecture yesterday made a categorical statement that there was no increase in fees”. Said Aihevba.
