The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has officially sanctioned a 60 per cent increase in sundry charges for the upcoming 2025/2026 academic session. This decision follows successful negotiations between the university's management and the Student Union Government (SUG), which helped avert a major confrontation over an initially proposed 100 per cent hike.
From Confrontation to Compromise
The university and its students were on a collision course in late 2025 after management first floated a plan to double all sundry charges. The proposal for a 100 per cent increment sparked immediate and widespread concern among the student body. Recognising the tension, the school's administration initiated extensive consultations with student leaders to find a middle ground.
These discussions, which began in December 2025, led to a significant compromise. The university's acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, confirmed the new charges resulted from "constructive engagements with the Student Union Government of both the Nsukka and Enugu Campuses."
Details of the New Fee Structure
Under the final agreement, both new and returning students will pay sundry charges that are 60 per cent higher than the previous session's rates. This represents a substantial 40 per cent reduction from the original proposal. Egwu noted that the University Council had initially reduced the increment from 100 per cent to 90 per cent before finally acceding to the students' request for a 60 per cent rise.
Student representatives had argued for a lower increase, initially demanding only 30 per cent. They based their position on the fee structures of comparable universities and highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades within UNN. A detailed schedule of the revised charges, organised by faculty and academic level, is promised to be released to the university community in the coming days.
Key Provisions of the Signed Agreement
The resolution, formalised over the weekend of January 17, 2026, includes several important provisions designed to ease the financial burden on students and their families:
- Payment in Instalments: The new fees can be paid in two separate instalments across the two semesters.
- No Hostel Fee Increase: The agreement explicitly guarantees that accommodation fees will not be raised for the 2025/2026 session.
Egwu stated that following the Council's concession, both parties formally signed an agreement outlining these key points.
Appeal for Calm and Order on Campus
In the official statement, the SUG leadership expressed gratitude to the University's Governing Council for its understanding and willingness to negotiate. They urged the entire student population to remain calm and continue to be law-abiding.
The statement also contained a firm warning. It called on students to avoid any actions that could disrupt the peace on campus and cautioned external individuals against interfering in student affairs or attempting to incite unrest.
This negotiated outcome demonstrates a shift towards dialogue in resolving university fee disputes in Nigeria, setting a precedent for how institutions and their students can collaboratively address financial pressures.
