The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, located in Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria, has officially announced an adjustment in tuition fees, citing economic challenges, rising inflation, and the removal of fuel subsidies as contributing factors.
In a statement posted on social media, the university authorities unveiled the new fee structure, which varies based on the academic level and course of study:
– Faculties of Arts, Law, and Humanities: Freshers (New Students) – N151,200; Returning Students – N89,200.
– Faculties of Technology and Science: Freshers – N163,200; Returning Students – N101,200.
– Faculties in the College of Health Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy: Freshers – N190,200; Returning Students – N128,200.
These adjustments come in the wake of an emergency meeting held by the University Senate on September 12, 2023, where the fee changes were considered and approved.
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Previously, returning students paid tuition fees ranging from N19,000 to N31,000, while fresh students paid between N70,000 and N100,000, depending on their chosen course of study.
In their statement, the university management reiterated that these modified fees would be applicable for the upcoming academic session.
This move follows a similar decision made by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to increase tuition fees, raising them from approximately N20,000 to over N100,000, with variations based on the course of study. Furthermore, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s first university, has also recently announced tuition fee increments.
These changes in tuition fees have sparked debate and concern among students, parents, and stakeholders, as they grapple with the broader economic challenges affecting the Nigerian education system.