UNN fee hike ignites student outrage as tuition increase is reduced to 60%, raising concerns about affordability for public university students

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has reduced its proposed 100 per cent tuition fee increase to 60 per cent following widespread protests by students and concerns from parents, amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic crunch.

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The initial proposal, which would have seen new students pay 50,000 naira as an acceptance fee—up from the current 30,000 naira—provoked fears that many students could be forced to drop out.

Students and parents argued that a steep rise in fees contradicts the public university’s mandate to provide accessible education.

Final-year student Nwabunwanne Chigozie from the Mass Communication department described the increase as “outrageous,” saying it threatened to make higher education a privilege for the wealthy.

Fellow student Cosmos Kenechukwu of the Political Science department called for alternative funding strategies, warning that rising tuition could push brilliant students out of the institution for financial reasons rather than merit.

Parents echoed the sentiment. Mr Ikechukwu Aloysius, an artisan and father of three, warned that the hike could force him to withdraw his children.

Mrs Evelyn Anyim, a parent of a new entrant, described the increase in acceptance fees as “a burden to families who already budgeted differently,” emphasising the country’s economic realities.

Lecturers also raised concerns. A senior academic in the Arts faculty noted that many staff members, earning modest salaries, could struggle to support children in higher education should fees continue to rise.

Another lecturer highlighted the strain on self-sponsored students, who face tuition alongside rent, feeding, and course material costs.

Following weeks of negotiation between the Student Union Government (SUG) and university management, a compromise was reached.

Acting Public Relations Officer Inya Agha Egwu confirmed that both new and returning students would pay a 60 per cent increase, down from the initially proposed 100 per cent.

The revised fee can be settled in two instalments over the academic year, and accommodation fees will remain unchanged.

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The SUG expressed appreciation for the management’s responsiveness but reiterated that students remain fundamentally opposed to any tuition increase at a public institution.