Idah, Kogi State- QS Aminu Abubakar Suleiman, FNIQS, has called on the Kogi State Government and the management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, to reverse the recent increase in school fees, reportedly as high as 100 per cent in some instances.
A statement issued by QS Aminu expressed concern that the increase could worsen the financial burden on students and parents amid prevailing economic difficulties, potentially making university education less accessible to students from low income families.
He questioned the rationale for harmonising PAAU’s fees with those of Kogi State University, Kabba, and Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, without adequately considering differences in student population, institutional history, revenue and operational needs.
“Whatever name is given to it, asking students to pay more is an increase. Government must explain the rationale behind this decision and demonstrate how the additional financial burden will translate into improved facilities, better lecturers’ welfare and quality education,” he said.
QS Aminu warned that the policy could discourage prospective students from seeking admission into PAAU, with potentially disproportionate consequences for Kogi East, where the institution plays an important role in expanding access to higher education.
He called on the state government to publish the approved fee schedules of the three state owned universities, disclose the extent of the increases and explain the basis for adopting a uniform fee structure across institutions with different circumstances.
He also urged the government to consider lecturers’ salaries, staff welfare and institutional funding as part of any harmonisation policy, arguing that the process should address the broader needs of the universities rather than focus primarily on fees paid by students.
The senatorial aspirant called for the suspension of the increase pending a transparent review and consultations with students, parents and other stakeholders.
“Education must remain an investment in the future of our people, not a financial barrier that denies deserving students opportunity. The government must ensure that no student or section of Kogi State is unfairly disadvantaged by policies affecting access to higher education,” he said.
