Ahmadu Bello University Halts Fee Increase for More Talks

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria has put a stop to the new fee increase for students. This decision is pending discussions with students and other important groups.

The university management shared this news in a Special Bulletin from the Public Affairs Directorate on Thursday.

This pause follows a recent hike in fees which significantly raised the amount undergraduates have to pay.

The university said, "In the spirit of consultation, mutual respect and responsible governance, the management has therefore decided to suspend the implementation of the revised charges to allow for wider consultations and further inputs from the student body and other relevant stakeholders."

Reports from PREMIUM TIMES showed that the new fee schedule jumped from about N62,000 and N84,000 to N143,000 and N298,000, depending on the program and level of study.

Akinteye Afeez, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), called the increase a "joke taken too far." He added that the Vice-Chancellor should resign if he cannot manage the school properly. Students also expressed their anger on the university's social media page.

The university stated that the fee increase was necessary due to a large gap between its resources and the rising costs of providing essential services to students.

The university noted that the situation became worse after losing nearly N2.5 billion following a court ruling, which it said put more pressure on its finances.

The Court of Appeal had ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) to pay N2.5 billion in judgment proceeds to 110 former workers who were dismissed nearly 30 years ago.

According to the special bulletin, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) shared more observations, concerns, and requests just as the fee increase was about to take effect.

The university said it found the students' concerns to be "legitimate, responsible and deserving of further consideration." This led to the decision to pause the fee hike to allow for more discussions with students and other stakeholders.

The university praised the mature and responsible way students approached the situation. It said the suspension shows its commitment to listening to students and ensuring that decisions affecting them are carefully considered.

The management emphasized that it is aware of the university’s financial challenges and the urgent need to strengthen its resources. It will continue to seek a balance between student needs and the resources required to run the university.