The management of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU), has described the 50% increase in tuition fees for new students for the 2024/2025 academic session as a “marginal adjustment” aimed at maintaining quality education and addressing economic realities.
In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday night, the university urged stakeholders, particularly students and parents, to remain calm as the institution works to address the situation.
Details of the New Fees
Under the revised structure, tuition fees for new students in various faculties now range from N357,000 to N982,000 for indigenes, while non-indigenes are to pay between N322,000 and N1.13 million.
For instance:
Indigenes studying Medicine and Surgery will pay N982,000, while non-indigenes will pay N1,132,500.
Indigenes studying Pharmacy will pay N800,000, with non-indigenes paying N900,000.
Additionally, new students in faculties such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, and Nursing are required to pay an “Acceptance Fee” of N112,000.
Management’s Defense of the Increase
The university management attributed the fee hike to rising operational costs and inflation.
“The Governing Council of the university, after carefully considering the economic realities of the country vis-a-vis the need to provide quality service, took the decision to marginally increase the fees payable by prospective students,” the statement read.
EKSU noted that the adjustment was necessary to complement the monthly government subvention, which has recently been increased by the Ekiti State Government.
“For clarity, operational costs in the university have risen significantly, with the prices of goods and services increasing by about 200% due to high inflation. Yet, the fees for freshers have only been adjusted by 50%,” the university added.
Student Reactions and Calls for Dialogue
The fee increase has sparked discontent among students and parents, with the institution’s Students Union urging new students to hold off on payment.
The union stated, “We understand the financial burden this increase places on students and their families, and we are engaging with the university to seek a more favorable resolution.”
Management’s Appeal for Calm
EKSU reassured stakeholders that the decision was taken in the best interest of sustaining academic and operational excellence.
“The management appeals for calm and understanding from all stakeholders as efforts are underway to address concerns while ensuring the smooth running of the institution,” the statement concluded.
As the conversation around the fee hike continues, stakeholders are hoping for a balanced resolution that addresses both the institution’s needs and the financial realities of students and their families.
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