Education
Nigerian Universities And Resolution Abolishing Acceptance Fees
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
Recently, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State approved a 25 per cent reduction in acceptance fees payable in the four state-owned universities as part of palliatives for students. The governor’s approval was contained in a statement issued by Festus Ahon, his chief press secretary, on Wednesday, in Asaba.
According to the statement, the reduction in the acceptance fee was in line with measures taken by the Delta State government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on citizens. Ahon further said that the 25 per cent reduction was applicable to new students at the state-owned Delta State University, Abraka; Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; University of Delta, Agbor, and Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba.
Essentially, the Governor’s action is understandable and appreciated, particularly when one remembers that the governor had earlier approved the payment of N10,000 to workers for three months and payment of N5.522bn to 50,196 workers as promotion arrears and palliatives to civil servants across the state, this piece however, holds the opinion that the issue that has to do with demand for acceptance by leaderships of tertiary institutions in the country, under any guise ought not arise in the first instance.
The reason for the above assertion is predicated on the fact that there exists a resolution by the Federal House Of Representatives abolishing the demand of Acceptance Fees by tertiary institutions of higher learning in the country, not even in Delta state-owned universities or any federally-owned university in Nigeria. In fact, any public officeholder who breaks the law is a threat to those very structures of the government he pledged to protect.
Adding context to the discourse, it is factually supported that in November 2019, Nigeria’s House of Representatives, following public outcry against the excruciating acceptance fee charged by the nation’s institutions of higher learning moved a motion through Honourable Emeka Chinedu, PDP-Imo (Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency), abolishing the payment of such fees in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Leading the debate, Mr Chinedu, according to the reports observed that one of the factors contributing to poor access to tertiary education is the “predatory admission policies being enforced by tertiary institutions, particularly the requirement for payment of non-refundable acceptance fees as a condition precedent for admission”.
He said in part; “it should bother the lawmakers that Imo State University charges N70,000 as acceptance fee. “Other institutions like the University of Ibadan charge 35,000; University of Lagos, 20,000; Ahmadu Bello University, 30,000; Lagos State University, N20,000; University of Uyo, 25,000, and University of Benin hovers between N60, 000.00 to N75, 000.00, depending on the department and faculty”.
In the end, the plenary presided over by the Former Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, (present Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu) described acceptance fees as exploitative and called on the Federal Government, to immediately abolish the payment of such fees in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Without a doubt, when parents and their wards heard of this resolution, they were happy.
But reacting to the development via a piece, I described the resolution as a two-edged sword. First, it portrayed the House as both a responsive and responsible body capped with the listening capacity to the yearning of the poor Nigerians. The piece in question also argued that the House of Representatives resolution shows that the survival of freedom depends upon the rule of law.
But on second thought, I submitted that the validity of the resolution will largely depend on how the university authorities in the country respect, interpret and enforce such promulgation, particularly, as demand for acceptance fees in the institutions of higher learning in Nigeria has become a ‘culture’ that will be too difficult to uproot.
Today, such fear can no longer be described as unfounded.
The early warning that led to my expression of fear was nourished by perennial underfunding of the nation’s education sector and exacerbated by reluctant respect University leaderships in the country have paid to similar directives in the past.
Take, as an illustration, Idowu Olayinka, vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan,(as he then was), while informing the media of his institution’s readiness to comply with the directive on acceptance fee, explained that the amount accruing to the University of Ibadan, for instance, in a year is not enough to fund the university in a month. “Therefore, the school has to look for alternative means to source for funds”.
“Someone has to take up the bill,” he said. “We have to make up our mind on what we really want. You can’t even run a creche without funds. In a year, we spend at least N200 million on our clinic contractors. Add this to the electricity bill and diesel, then you’re talking of over N800 million. “What the university is getting for overhead is less than N100 million. So where do you think the remaining N700 million will come from? Unless you want to close down the whole university,” he added.
For me, why all Nigerians of goodwill should worry about these blanket inability by tertiary schools in Nigeria to comply with the House’s directive on acceptance fee is that instead of schools acting in compliance, many contrary to expectation and to the surprise of stakeholders/observers retained the prevailing fees while the rest in absolute disobedience and challenge to the new order had an upward review of their acceptance fees.
Also deeply troubling is the awareness that school authorities demanding acceptance fees from new students have not been able to explain what the payment signifies or provide answers as to why students must pay acceptance fee for an admission they voluntarily expressed interest and paid examination fees, took time to study in order to be admitted.
Expressly, it will be convenient for many to argue that the crushing weight arising from education funding in Nigeria and globally has become too heavy for only the government to shoulder, and therefore, our collective responsibility to ensure that our schools work and our children are properly educated at the right time in ways that will necessitate payments such as acceptance fees.
This fact notwithstanding, it does not in any way justify the demand for acceptance fees.
To therefore curb this illicit collection, Nigerian universities and other institutions of higher learning in the country as well as the Federal and state governments must in the first instance consider education as the bedrock of development; that with sound educational institutions, a country is as good as made -as the institutions will turn out all rounded manpower to continue with the development of the society driven by well thought out ideas, policies, programmes, and projects.
We must also come to the collective recognition that across the world, children enjoy the right to education as enshrined by a number of international conventions, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which recognizes a compulsory primary education for all, an obligation to develop secondary education accessible to all, as well as the progressive introduction of free higher education/obligation to develop equitable access to higher education.
Finally, the government and of course universities in the country must not use it to deny our youths the opportunity to be educated. If we do, chances are that most of them will run to the streets. And as we know, the streets are known for breeding all sorts of criminals and other social misfits who constitute the real threat such as armed robbers, thugs, drug abusers, drunkards, prostitutes and all other social ills that give a bad name to society.
Jerome-Mario Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Policy) at Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via [email protected]/08032725374.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The N1 trillion scholarship programme of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) for about 1.3 million Nigerian students has been applauded by the federal government, the state governments and the others.
The scheme was designed to expand access to education and promote academic excellence across Nigeria. Starting in 2026, the initiative will support over 1.3 million students from all 774 local government areas, with N100 billion committed annually for 10 years.
It targets Nigeria’s most vulnerable learners and is structured into three categories: Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars – 30,000 undergraduates in public universities and polytechnics will receive tuition support of up to ₦600,000 per year; Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars – 5,000 TVET trainees will get essential study materials and technical tools; MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars – 10,000 girls in public schools will receive uniforms, books, and learning supplies, prioritizing states with high out-of-school rates.
The programme would be implemented in partnership with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO. It would be based on merit, with beneficiaries chosen through a fully digital system.
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the organisation for the intervention, saying it demonstrates the critical role of private-sector actors in national development.
He noted that Nigeria’s demographic growth makes urgent investment in education indispensable, warning that “a population becomes a liability only when it is uneducated.”
“Aliko Dangote, through his far-reaching philanthropy, has set in motion the single largest private-sector education support intervention in the history of this country. What he has done here today is a lesson to each of us. This is nation-building in its purest form,” Mr Shettima said.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the 36 state governors, also commended the initiative and pledged the governors’ full support.
The Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as “pure human capital development,” saying it aligns with the President Bola Tinubu administration’s education sector renewal plan of transforming Nigeria from resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy and is significant because every local government area will benefit.
He said by the end of the first decade of the execution of the scholarship programme, it is estimated that over 170,000 girl-child would have gone to school.
On his part, Mr Dangote said the intervention is aimed at Nigeria’s most vulnerable learners, noting that financial hardship, not lack of talent, is the primary reason many drop out of school.
“This is not only charity. This is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy. Every student we support reduces inequality. Every scholar we empower becomes a future contributor to national development.
“Our young people are not asking for handouts. They are asking for opportunities. They are asking for a chance to learn, to grow, to compete and to succeed. And we believe they deserve that chance,” he stated.
“No young person should have their future cut short because of financial hardship. We are stepping forward to ensure students stay in school and pursue their ambitions.
“This initiative is more than financial aid—it is an investment in human capital, with ripple effects on economies, societies, and future generations. When a student gets a scholarship, entire communities stand to benefit,” the business mogul added.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Entries for the Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria by Airtel Africa Foundation have opened and applicants can register via candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.
This programme forms part of the foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.
The scheme, according to a statement from the not-for-profit organisation, provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for 100-level students with strong academic potential.
Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.
Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting.
Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.
Qualified students across the listed institutions have been encouraged to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector.
the chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders.
“Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure.
“This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” the former chief executive of Airtel Africa Plc, noted.
On his part, the chief executive of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, said, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development.
“As an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Approval has been given to Summit University, Offa, Kwara, to operate a Campus FM Radio State, the chancellor of the higher institution of learning, Mr Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, said.
Speaking at the combined 5th and 6th convocation ceremony of the school at the Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Mr Adegunwa, who doubles as the chairman of Rite Foods Limited, disclosed that the “notification was received a few days ago.”
“This development will help us reach our community more effectively and position the university as a champion of the knowledge economy.
“It will empower us to combat knowledge, poverty and the rising challenge of misinformation in society,” he noted.
He also identified investment in quality education as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development, adding that the dedication and financial commitment of stakeholders have continued to strengthen the university’s foundation and growth trajectory.
He appealed to well-meaning individuals to support the institution in its drive for sustainable development.
“This event marks a key milestone for our university. It honours our graduates and celebrates our shared success. An investment in knowledge pays the best dividend. The journey we have embarked upon with Summit University stands as one of the most rewarding investments.
“Our dividend from this investment is not only for today; it is also for posterity. Let us join hands to lift Summit University high, open doors to quality education, and change the world for the better,” he said.
Reflecting on the institution’s progress, the chancellor noted that the school has experienced remarkable growth since he assumed office as the pioneer chancellor in December 2023.
“Since the last convocation, undergraduate programmes have increased from eight to 16. Additionally, six academic programmes recently underwent reaccreditation, and full accreditation was secured from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“I commend the university management, governing council, and board of trustees. The growth we see today is a testament to your hard work and strategic planning. Your commitment has strengthened the foundation of this university,” he said.
Mr Adegunwa highlighted the significant infrastructural advancement that had taken place in the University since its last convocation ceremony in 2023, adding that foundation for four major building was laid and one was already completed and ready for use while two were nearing completion.
“At this point, I sincerely appreciate Mosun Belo-Olusoga and other donors whose support continues to strengthen this university. Your generosity is a catalyst for our progress. May Almighty Allah bless you abundantly,” he said, revealing that preparations were underway for the verification of the university’s resources for new programmes in the College of Law and the College of Health Sciences.
“All documentation and agreements have been concluded, and we are hopeful that by the next convocation, both colleges will be fully operational,” he disclosed.
At the convocation ceremony, the school conferred honorary doctorate degrees (Honoris Causa) on Aderemi Muyideen Makanjuola and Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, as well as a posthumous honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration on the late Tiamiyu Adebisi Olatinwo, among other awardees.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu expressed appreciation to the Chancellor for donating the ongoing Senate Building project, which he said is now 30 per cent completed, noting that upon completion, the structure would significantly enhance the university’s infrastructure.
He announced that a total of 319 students graduated: 26 with first-class honours, 164 with second-class upper division, 108 with second-class lower division, 25 with third-class, and one with a pass.
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