UNN's Proposed 100% Fee Increase Sparks Widespread Student Protests and Dropout Concerns
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka has ignited a major campus crisis with its proposal to implement a 100 percent increase in sundry charges, triggering widespread backlash from students, parents, and academic staff who fear this could lead to mass student dropouts. The controversial proposal comes at a time when Nigeria's economic conditions continue to worsen, placing additional financial strain on families already struggling with educational expenses.
Student Outcry and Campus Protests
Following sustained protests and intense negotiations with the Students Union Government, the university management has agreed to reduce the proposed hike to 60 percent for the 2025/2026 academic session. Despite this concession, which includes provisions for installment payments and a freeze on accommodation fees, opposition to any increment remains strong across the campus community.
The proposed fee structure would have effectively doubled existing charges while significantly raising acceptance fees for newly admitted students. This development has sparked organized protests, online campaigns, and urgent appeals from various stakeholders within the university ecosystem. Many students argue that UNN's identity as a public institution makes such substantial increases difficult to justify, particularly given its historical reputation for affordability.
Student Perspectives on the Crisis
Final year Mass Communication student Nwabunwanne Chigozie described the proposed hike as excessive and poorly communicated, stating: "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."
Cosmos Kenechukwu, a Political Science finalist, emphasized the need for sensitivity to student realities: "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."
Other students echoed similar concerns, with Cynthia Ngwu of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences noting the proposal came without adequate notice, and Favour Azubuike warning that self-sponsored students stood to lose the most from such increases.
Parental Concerns and Financial Strain
Parents have expressed deep anxiety about the potential impact on carefully planned family budgets. Mr. Ikechukwu Aloysius, an artisan with three children in public universities, revealed that withdrawal has become a real possibility: "I am an artisan and I have three children who are all going to public universities because it's considered cheaper and now that hope seems to be dashed."
Mrs. Evelyn Anyim questioned the sharp rise in acceptance fees, calling it unfair to families who had budgeted based on earlier figures. These parental concerns highlight the broader socioeconomic implications of the proposed fee increases.
Management Response and Compromise
Acting Public Relations Officer Mr. Inya Agha Egwu confirmed in a statement that management and the SUG reached agreement on a 60 percent increase following negotiations: "The agreement was reached on Friday at a meeting between the University Management, acting on behalf of the Governing Council, and the SUG representatives."
The compromise arrangement allows for payment in two installments while freezing accommodation fees for the current academic session. However, this partial concession has done little to calm nerves on campus, with many students and parents maintaining strong opposition to any increase.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Education
The situation at UNN reflects larger challenges facing Nigeria's higher education sector, where institutions struggle to maintain quality while keeping education accessible. Many fear that even the revised 60 percent increase risks deepening dropout rates at the university, particularly affecting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
This development comes against the backdrop of growing scholarship opportunities at private Nigerian universities, which increasingly use financial aid programs not only as welfare measures but also as strategies to attract top academic talent. The contrast between public university fee increases and private institution scholarship programs highlights the complex financial landscape of Nigerian higher education.
As the academic community continues to grapple with these changes, the fundamental question remains how to balance institutional financial sustainability with the imperative of keeping quality education accessible to Nigeria's diverse student population.
