University of Nigeria Nsukka’s proposed 100 per cent fee hike has ignited fury among students and parents, fearing mass dropouts in Nigeria’s economic crunch. After protests and talks, it’s down to 60%—but many say even that’s too much for a public varsity meant for the masses, reports EDWARD NNACHI
It’s no longer news that the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is proposing to increase the school’s tuition fee by a 100% which is already generating controversies from different quarters, within and beyond the university.
The proposal if becomes a reality will see students pay double of what they pay as the current school fee with new students being affected the most. In the proposal, new students are alleged to start paying fifty thousand naira as acceptance fee, a huge hike from the thirty thousand that was the price.
Since the past week, students and parents alike have been lamenting on this increment policy and have taken to social media calling for a reduction in the fee increment.
The reason for this is not far-fetched, the University of Nigeria is a public university and as such one for the common man on the street consequently implying that a drastic fee increase may see most students drop out from school because of financial constraints to continue.
In a convergence of views and opinions, our correspondent asked students, parents and lecturers of the institution what they make of this proposed increment and the possible solution to it.
Nwabunwanne Chigozie, a finalist in the department of mass communication lamented that the fee increment was outrageous and a decision taken out of improper communication and called for a total reduction to the hike.
“It’s outrageous. It’s a decision made out of shallow thoughts. Most of us came to University of Nigeria, not because of its name, but also how affordable its education was. I want cheap not free education.
“Now, without proper communication and prior notice, I’m slammed with a 104 percent increase. As a young man who has been paying his fees, I want to personally ask the management of University of Nigeria, Nsukka if education is now meant for the rich. If so I shall make way for their children by dropping out. If not, if education is a right not a privilege, then the hike is to me, totally unacceptable”. He said
Cosmos Kenechukwu, another finalist from Political Science department opined that fee increment shouldn’t be the top concern given that most students in the school are from humble backgrounds and still have other costs to cover apart from tuition fees.
“While we understand the university’s need to maintain high academic standards and infrastructure which is very necessary, a tuition hike at this time would be devastating for a significant portion of the student body. Many of our colleagues come from humble backgrounds and are already stretched to their limits. Education costs are not just about tuition; students must still cover: rising costs of textbooks and course materials, off campus lodge and hostel accommodations; daily feeding and basic survival expenses.
When asked what the school management was aiming to achieve by the proposed fee hike, he opined that should explore other alternative means of getting funds and running the institution.
“Increasing fees risks forcing brilliant students out of school, not for lack of intellect, but for lack of means. We urge the administration to explore alternative funding models that do not place the entire burden on students and their struggling families”, he added.
Still getting the pulses of students as regards the proposed fee hike, Cynthia Ngwu from the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences also said the hike came too sudden stressing that students should be notified first before these decisions are made.
“I feel the tuition fee increment is utterly outrageous and too sudden. If at all any adjustments must be made, the management should consider students’ welfare and the fact that some families struggle to pay these fees. Moreover, UNN is a public university, I see no reason why tuition should be made high. Appropriate and early announcement should be made to alert students on time so that necessary adjustments can be made.” she stressed.
As for Favour Azubuike, students who sponsor themselves are mostly at risk if the proposal eventually comes to light. She said: “Considering students who sponsor themselves in school and parents who aren’t that financially buoyant, this hike in school fees can result in a lot of students dropping out”.
Another student who pleaded on the condition of anonymity talked about open consultation before such decisions are being made.
“So about this fee hike, in my opinion this is just proof that the school runs like a dictatorship because increasing fees without prior discussion shows that we students have been sidelined from how the school runs. Even if there’s need for more funds, it should have been increased gradually, let’s say by 10 to 20% or thereabout. Increasing fees by a 100+ percent is just outrageous”.
She also shared the unpleasant experiences she may encounter if the fee hike succeeds.
“Take myself for instance, I had already budgeted 150k to cover my school fees, hostel fees and sign in fees; with this increment I don’t even know if I’ll be able to pay just the school fees alone… Education should not be made a burden; as if it is not enough that youth of these days are starting to see education as scam”. She berated.
Credit: Punchng
