There is a reported fee hike for students at Baze University in Abuja. The private university, which is owned by Yusuf Baba Datti-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice presidential candidate, justified the fee increase by pointing to an increase in the cost of products and services.
The university’s deputy registrar and acting dean of students, Kehinde Adekeye, revealed the fee adjustments in an internal memo sent to students. The memo stated that there would be a 100% increase in hostel fees, a 35% increase in tuition and internship fees, and a 25% increase in laundry fees. These adjustments are scheduled to go into effect in May 2024.
Adekeye clarified that the choice was taken after giving careful thought to several variables, including growing expenses, offering competitive salaries, adhering to rules, and facing financial difficulties.
“I am directed to inform you that after careful consideration and assessment of various factors such as the astronomical rise in the cost of goods and services, provision of competitive salaries and benefits, compliance efforts with government regulations and accreditation standards, and general economic downturns, the university management has decided to implement the following fees adjustments as approved by the University Governing Council, effective May 2024.”
Prior to the most recent 35% tuition rise, each academic session cost students about N3 million. However, the charges were significantly greater for medical students, whose tuition may total up to N5 million between the second and fourth years of study. Medical students have to pay N9 million per academic session by their fifth year.
Students used to pay anywhere from N800,000 to N1.2 million for a session of dormitory fees. Nevertheless, these costs have increased dramatically to N1.6 million and N2.4 million following the recent 100% increase.
Some students have written to the Pro-Chancellor and Dean of Student Affairs to voice their concerns in the wake of the fee increase.
They pointed out problems including insufficient amenities despite the expensive prices and asked for a reassessment of the pricing. These include unreliable electricity, unclean restrooms, and a lack of a steady water supply, which increases the financial load on the students.
Credits: Allschoolabs, ALLSCHOOL
