Students and parents at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have criticised a proposed increase in tuition and sundry charges, saying the hike could force some students to leave school, community and university sources said on Friday.
The proposed adjustment would see fees increased by 60 per cent for the 2025/2026 academic session following talks between the university management and student representatives.
The issue has generated sustained concerns on social media and among families with children enrolled at the institution. The proposed charges apply to both new and returning students.
Several students said the increase would place a heavier financial burden on them and their families amid ongoing economic challenges.
Finalist Nwabunwanne Chigozie of the Mass Communication Department said the hike was “outrageous” and questioned the affordability of education at a public university like UNN.
Another student, Cosmos Kenechukwu from Political Science, said many students were from humble backgrounds and faced multiple costs, including textbooks, accommodation and daily living expenses, which were already difficult to meet.
Cynthia Ngwu, of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said students should have been informed before such decisions were made.
Parents also voiced concern about the proposed increase. Mr. Ikechukwu Aloysius said the new fees could make it impossible for some families to continue sponsoring their children’s education, given economic realities.
Another parent, Mrs. Evelyn Anyim, said the increase in acceptance fees was particularly burdensome for parents already coping with other expenses.
University officials and representatives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) held discussions on the proposed adjustment.
According to the Acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, the university management negotiated with student leaders and ultimately agreed that sundry charges should increase by 60 per cent, reduced from an initial proposal of 100 per cent by the University Council.
The agreement followed weeks of dialogue between management and SUG representatives from the Nsukka and Enugu campuses.
Chris Ozowara, Director of Information of the Students’ Union Government, urged students to remain calm and noted that the student body was engaged in ongoing talks with the university management to review and address the issue.
