Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday, directed the management of the university to immediately nullify/cancel the 350 per cent school fees increase it made.
The governor’s directive was announced in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Onyebuchi Ememanka, stating: “The increment, which is by over 350 per cent, is unacceptable to the state government, especially in view of current economic realities in the country.”
The CPS also stated that the governor further directed the university management to engage with relevant stakeholders in the university community and have robust discussions before contemplating any geometric hike in school fees. He assured that the state government would continue to support the institution with subventions. He added that the governor, while acknowledging that it is becoming increasingly challenging for the university to play its role under the current fiscal regime, however, said that the management of the institution must ensure children of the poor in the state are given the opportunity to access tertiary education.
It was gathered that before the sudden increase, tuition and hostel accommodation fees were N112, 000.00 and N40, 000,00, respectively.
Reacting to the governor’s directive, the university’s Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, in a statement, stated that the management has cancelled the fees adjustment recently released.
According to the registrar, the university management will continue to engage critical stakeholders on the way forward, assuring that the university will continue to provide quality education at affordable fees.
He added: “Fees paid by students of ABSU remain the same until otherwise stated.”
Some parents and guardians of students said they were provoked by the fees increment, especially the announcement that students would not be allowed into the institution except those who are up to date with their fees payment.
Speaking to The Guardian on condition of anonymity, two parents wondered why a state government university, which owing its workers arrears of salaries is demanding payment of fees from their children and wards.
