Parents and students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have raised concerns following the proposed increase in school fees, citing difficulties in meeting the higher costs under current economic conditions, according to reactions reported by PUNCH Nigeria.
The proposed fee adjustment has been a focus of discussions among the university community.
The university had initially proposed a 100 per cent increase in sundry charges for the 2025/2026 academic session before engaging in discussions with student representatives and other stakeholders.
Counsellors have said this proposal would see fees rise significantly from previous levels, especially for new students, with acceptance fees reportedly increasing from about N30,000 to N50,000.
Responses from within the university community show that students and parents voiced dissatisfaction with the proposed adjustment, describing it as substantial and challenging given existing financial demands.
Final-year students expressed concern about covering the increased charges alongside other academic and living costs such as textbooks, accommodation and daily expenses.
Some parents interviewed by correspondents noted that handling higher fees for multiple children presents a considerable burden, with one parent explaining the difficulty of paying both tuition and other necessary school costs in the current economic climate.
Other respondents said the communication of the proposed fee adjustment lacked sufficient advance notice to allow for planning.
A university lecturer who spoke on condition of anonymity noted that recent engagements between the Students Union Government (SUG) and the university management led to an agreement to revise the proposed increase.
The management and student representatives agreed that sundry charges would be increased by 60 per cent instead of the original 100 per cent figure, with new arrangements including instalment payment options across semesters and no increase in hostel fees for the academic session.
Despite the revised agreement, many students interviewed said the increased charges remain high relative to their financial capacity, noting that the fee adjustment stands significantly above previous levels and continues to strain parents and guardians.
Student leaders emphasised that dialogue with the university management is ongoing as they seek to address affordability concerns and ensure clarity on fee schedules.
The reactions highlight broader discussions about cost of tertiary education in Nigeria, with parents and student bodies expressing that increases in fees, particularly in public universities can affect access and continuity of academic pursuits for many families.
Observers note that tuition adjustments and institutional fee policies are part of wider sector trends and debates on funding, accessibility and the balance between educational quality and affordability.
