Northwest university students protest sudden fee hike

Kano University Students Protest Sudden Fee Hike Despite Earlier Government Discount

Students of Northwest University, Kano, have voiced strong opposition to a recent hike in registration fees, describing the move as “unjust” and “insensitive,” particularly in light of a previously announced 50% tuition discount for Kano State indigenes.

The new fee structure, which reportedly raises registration costs from ₦19,000 to ₦53,350, has sparked confusion and frustration across the campus.

Many students, especially those in their final year, say the sudden increase threatens their ability to continue their education due to worsening economic conditions.

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In 2023, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration had declared a 50% reduction in tuition fees for indigenes attending all state-owned tertiary institutions — a decision that was widely praised as a lifeline for financially struggling families.

However, the latest increment appears to have negated those benefits.

Students say they received no prior notice and were shocked to discover the new fees upon printing their invoices.

“This is pure wickedness,” lamented Usman Bello, a 300-level Agriculture student. “We are children of the masses.

“Our parents are petty traders. Where do they expect us to get this kind of money?”

Another student, Saratu Abdulmalik from the English Department, criticised the abrupt nature of the hike: “We resumed only to be told that fees had gone up. No communication, no explanation — just an invoice.”

The development has left many fearing they may have to drop out.

Sadiya Haruna, a final year student said “It’s like they are deliberately trying to frustrate us.

“If nothing is done, many of us may be forced to withdraw.”

Attempts by The STAR to reach the university’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Abubakar, were unsuccessful. Calls went unanswered, and messages remain unacknowledged at the time of filing this report.

Khaleed Hassan Hudu, President of the National Association of Kano State Students (Northwest University chapter), confirmed that student representatives had recently met with the university’s vice-chancellor.

However, the meeting ended without a resolution.

According to Hudu, while the management had earlier suggested a possible increase in fees, they did not provide any specific figures or timelines, leaving students unprepared for the sudden jump.

The vice-chancellor reportedly cited the university’s financial struggles — including challenges in funding basic operational needs such as printing examination papers and issuing ID cards — as the reason behind the fee hike.

“We are pleading with the government to consider the economic reality on the ground,” Hudu said.

“Many students are confused and distressed. We hope for urgent intervention.”

When asked whether students planned to protest, Hudu responded: “We are law-abiding citizens.

“We won’t resort to any unlawful actions. We trust our governor and believe this hike will be reversed.”