Kwara State Polytechnic Raises Tuition Fees to 200k
Kwara State Polytechnic increases tuition fees to 200,000 Naira, raising alarms among students about the financial burden of additional costs.
Mary Nwaeze 
Kwara State Polytechnic, located in Ilorin, has officially increased its tuition fees to 200,000 Naira for the upcoming academic session, igniting a wave of concern among students and stakeholders regarding the financial implications of this decision.
A concerned student, voiced his discontent, questioning the Student Union's role in addressing the rising costs. “This is crazy. Where are the student union?” he asked, highlighting the growing frustration within the student body. He emphasized that the tuition fee increase represents only a portion of the overall expenses students must prepare for when enrolling in the institution.
The student went further to elaborate on the various costs that students will face beyond the tuition fee, including:
- Hostel Fees: A primary concern for students needing accommodation.
- Acceptance Fees: Required upon admission to the polytechnic.
- Departmental Fees: Charges associated with specific courses of study.
- Printing Costs: Expenses for printing essential documents, often exceeding current NYSC salaries.
- Handouts: While not compulsory, these materials significantly impact academic performance.
- Assignment Submission Fees: Additional charges for submitting coursework.
- Practical Fees: Costs for both EED practicals and after-exams practicals.
- Class Representative Fees: Extra costs incurred by student representatives.
- Food Expenses: Regular meals at local eateries, such as Iya Abu’s restaurant, which many students depend on.
- Miscellaneous Costs: Including specific items like specialized shoes for trekking, caps for sun protection, and fellowship dues for Christian students.
The student cautioned prospective students about the financial commitments required, stating, “Please, if all you get is school fees; don't try to process KWARA POLY, because the school fees is just camouflage.”
The substantial increase in tuition fees and additional expenses has prompted calls for the administration to address these concerns and consider the financial strain on students. As the new academic session approaches, students hope for a dialogue between the administration and student representatives to find solutions to the escalating costs of education at Kwara State Polytechnic.
