ABU suspends revised student fees pending wider consultation

Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria has suspended implementation of its revised student fees to allow wider consultation with students and other interested groups.

The decision was announced in a special bulletin issued by the university’s Public Affairs Directorate on Thursday, days after the higher charges drew objections from students.

Premium Times reported that the revised schedule raised fees from about N62,000 and N84,000 to N143,000 and N298,000, depending on programme and level.

The university said its Students’ Representative Council submitted further observations, concerns and requests as implementation was about to begin. Management described the submissions as legitimate and deserving of further consideration.

The university had defended the increase by pointing to a gap between its resources and the rising cost of essential services for students. It also cited the financial pressure of losing nearly N2.5 billion following a court ruling, according to Premium Times.

National Association of Nigerian Students President Akinteye Afeez had criticised the increase and called on the vice-chancellor to step down if he could not run the institution. Students also expressed their objections on the university’s social media page.

Management said it would continue seeking a balance between students’ concerns and the resources needed to run the university.

Source: Premium Times