The proposed 100 per cent tuition fee hike at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has sparked outrage among students and parents, raising concerns about potential mass dropouts amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
After weeks of protests and negotiations, the university reduced the increase to 60 per cent, but many stakeholders still consider it excessive for a public institution.
The initial proposal would have seen students paying double their current fees, with new students particularly affected.
Reports indicate that the acceptance fee for new students would rise from N30,000 to N50,000, a steep jump that has drawn widespread criticism.
Students and parents have taken to social media and other platforms to voice their opposition.
Nwabunwanne Chigozie, a final-year student in Mass Communication, described the hike as “outrageous” and “a decision made out of shallow thoughts.”
He added, “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.”
“Now, without proper communication and prior notice, I’m slammed with a 104 per cent increase. As a young man who has been paying his fees, I want to personally ask the management of University of Nigeria, Nsukka if education is now meant for the rich. If so, I shall make way for their children by dropping out. If not, if education is a right not a privilege, then the hike is to me, totally unacceptable.”
Cosmos Kenechukwu, a Political Science finalist, emphasized that tuition should not be the top priority given students’ financial constraints.
“While we understand the university’s need to maintain high academic standards and infrastructure, a tuition hike at this time would be devastating for a significant portion of the student body.”
“Many of our colleagues come from humble backgrounds and are already stretched to their limits. Education costs are not just about tuition; students must still cover rising costs of textbooks, off-campus lodges and hostels, daily feeding, and basic survival expenses.”
“Increasing fees risks forcing brilliant students out of school, not for lack of intellect, but for lack of means. We urge the administration to explore alternative funding models that do not place the entire burden on students and their struggling families.”
Cynthia Ngwu from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences added, “I feel the tuition fee increment is utterly outrageous and too sudden.”
“If at all any adjustments must be made, the management should consider students’ welfare and the fact that some families struggle to pay these fees.”
“Moreover, UNN is a public university, I see no reason why tuition should be made high. Appropriate and early announcement should be made to alert students on time so that necessary adjustments can be made.”
Favour Azubuike, a self-sponsored student, warned of the impact on financially constrained families.
“Considering students who sponsor themselves in school and parents who aren’t that financially buoyant, this hike in school fees can result in a lot of students dropping out.”
Another student, who requested anonymity, argued that the increase reflects a lack of consultation.
“So about this fee hike, in my opinion this is just proof that the school runs like a dictatorship because increasing fees without prior discussion shows that we students have been sidelined.”
“Even if there’s need for more funds, it should have been increased gradually, let’s say by 10 to 20 per cent. Increasing fees by a 100+ per cent is just outrageous.”
Parents also expressed their frustration. Mr. Ikechukwu Aloysius said, “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? The school management should have a rethink and look into the issue because I may have no other option than to withdraw my wards if this increment sees the light of day.”
Mrs. Evelyn Anyim added, “My son just got admission and I have to pay his fees as well as provide him with other necessary provisions. I understand that to fund education needs money but the unnecessary increase in acceptance fee is a burden to families who already budgeted a different amount earlier, this is very unfair.”
“We should consider the economic situation of the country and understand that to make money right now is very difficult. Something needs to be done about this, it’s unfair.”
Some lecturers also weighed in. A political science lecturer who requested anonymity noted, “With my interaction with seven different parents who called me regarding school fees hike, lamented that some of their children will be withdrawn from the universities over the development.”
“They could not afford presently to finance the school fees of all of them with expenses of hostel accommodations, getting food materials, and other unaccounted expenses to their children… Though from the direct source that the VC and SUG administration are deliberating to reduce the fees, let it be effective so that parents and guardians can afford the payment of the school fees of the children.”
Another lecturer from the Arts faculty added, “I do know that lecturers are the worst hit. How can you pay tuition for 3 or 4 children considering our meagre earnings? Professors earn between 450k and 500k.”
“How can a prof pay for more than a child when it’s obviously higher than his salary? What about the junior lecturers? That’s our reality. I’m typing without glasses because I can’t even afford it for now. So you see how complicated the issue is.”
Students also shared their concerns. Rosemary, a final-year Mass Communication student, said, “The average ones who are willing to learn from the little they have won’t be able to afford the school fees anymore. Imagine paying double of what you paid as a first-year student.”
“They also have to consider parents because some parents sponsor up to three or five children. Imagine paying that whole amount on school fees only, what about the house rent, feeding and other expenses?”
Juliet Ugwuoke, a Philosophy student, added, “I was so heartbroken when I heard of the school fees increment and when I told my dad about it he also complained because the fees now are like double of what we were paying before.”
“I know some students who might drop out of school if the outrageous school fees increment continues.”
“The school fees hike will affect my feeding and my final year project. The only option now is to pay for my fees in instalments.”
Chidera, a 400-level Social Work student, said, “Increasing school fees to that much is not plausible at all.”
Chris Ozowara, Students Union Government Director of Information, urged students to remain calm, noting that the union continues dialogue with the university management to resolve the issue.
Following weeks of negotiation, UNN management and SUG representatives reached a consensus to reduce the proposed 100 per cent sundry charges for the 2025/2026 session to 60 per cent.
Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, explained that the agreement applies to both new and returning students and represents a 40 per cent reduction from the initial proposal.
The new fee can also be paid in two instalments, with no change in accommodation fees.
“The agreement was reached at a meeting between the University Management, acting on behalf of the Governing Council, and the SUG representatives, including the SUG Presidents of Nsukka and Enugu Campuses, Speakers of the Legislative Arms, and the Senate President of the SUG.”
“The resolution is the outcome of weeks of sustained negotiations that commenced in December 2025. During the discussions, student representatives explained that they adjusted their earlier position of a 30 per cent increment in recognition of prevailing fees in comparable universities and the urgent need to upgrade infrastructure in UNN.”
“The University Council, through management, had earlier shifted its stance from 100 per cent increment to 90 per cent before agreeing to the students’ plea for 60 per cent on Friday.”
“Following the council’s conclusion, both parties formally signed an agreement outlining key terms, including provision for payment of the new fees in two instalments across the two semesters to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians, and no increment in students’ accommodation fees for the 2025/2026 academic session. At the end of the deliberations, the SUG leadership expressed appreciation to the University Governing Council for its understanding and responsiveness.”
Despite the agreement, general sentiment among students remains strongly against any fee increment at the institution.
