Nigerian Man Questions Critics Over Covenant University Fee Controversy
The release of Covenant University's approved school fees for the 2026 academic session has ignited a heated debate across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing concerns about affordability and accessibility of higher education.
University Defends Fee Structure
Covenant University has clarified that its fee structure reflects the comprehensive educational experience it provides to students. According to the institution, the charges cover multiple essential services including tuition, accommodation, medical care, security provisions, electricity, water supply, and access to modern learning facilities. The university maintains that these fees are justified by the quality of education, infrastructure, and student services offered throughout the academic year.
Despite these explanations, numerous Nigerians have voiced their apprehension about the financial burden these fees place on average families. Many have described the costs as prohibitively expensive, particularly in the current economic climate where many households struggle with rising living expenses and limited income opportunities.
Social Media User Offers Alternative Perspective
Amid the widespread criticism, a Nigerian man identified as Row_Haastrup on X (formerly Twitter) has presented a contrasting viewpoint that challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding Covenant University's fee structure.
In his detailed social media post, he conducted a comparative analysis between Covenant University's fees and those of other private universities operating within Nigeria. His argument centered on what he perceives as selective outrage targeting Covenant University while other institutions charge significantly higher amounts without similar public scrutiny.
He specifically highlighted:
- Wigwe University's tuition fees ranging from N9.6 million to N12 million per session
- The additional accommodation costs at Wigwe University beyond the basic tuition
- Covenant University's all-inclusive fees ranging from N1.7 million to N2 million
The social media commentator questioned why Covenant University's fees become "a moral problem" specifically because of its church ownership, while other private institutions charging substantially higher amounts face minimal public criticism.
Addressing Church Ownership Concerns
The man addressed the common perception that church-owned universities should offer lower fees or free education. He emphasized that the university's ownership by Pastor David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church does not automatically translate to subsidized education or reduced operational costs.
He concluded his argument by stating that while discussions about educational affordability are valid and necessary, they should remain focused on economic realities rather than linking tithe payments or church affiliation to expectations of reduced tuition fees.
Detailed Fee Breakdown for 2026 Academic Session
Covenant University has provided a comprehensive breakdown of approved fees across various academic programmes for the upcoming academic year:
- Engineering Courses – ₦2,009,280.00
- Accounting – ₦1,959,945.00
- Computer Science – ₦1,959,945.00
- Architecture – ₦1,959,945.00
- Mass Communication – ₦1,959,945.00
- Economics – ₦1,959,945.00
- International Relations – ₦1,959,945.00
- Psychology – ₦1,884,562.50
- Management Information Systems – ₦1,884,562.50
- Industrial Mathematics – ₦1,897,845.00
- Industrial Physics – ₦1,897,845.00
- Microbiology – ₦1,821,931.20
- Biochemistry – ₦1,821,931.20
- Building Technology – ₦1,809,180.00
- Finance – ₦1,809,180.00
- Finance (Technology) – ₦1,809,180.00
- Business Administration – ₦1,815,562.50
- Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management – ₦1,713,891.00
- Marketing – ₦1,713,891.00
- Estate Management – ₦1,733,797.50
- Industrial Chemistry – ₦1,733,797.50
- Sociology – ₦1,742,940.00
- Biology – ₦1,733,797.50
- English – ₦1,733,797.50
- Policy and Strategic Studies – ₦1,733,797.50
- Political Science – ₦1,733,797.50
The College of Engineering continues to maintain the highest fee structure among all academic departments, affecting students pursuing various engineering specializations including Chemical, Civil, Computer, Information and Communication, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering programmes.
This detailed fee transparency from Covenant University provides prospective students and their families with clear financial planning information while fueling ongoing discussions about educational costs in Nigeria's private university sector.
