The Rising Cost of Education: A Student’s Struggle in Nigeria’s Federal Universities

Growing up, I attended private primary schools where debates on the merits of private versus government sectors were a regular part of our curriculum.

Aug 11, 2024 - 16:12

The Rising Cost of Education: A Student’s Struggle in Nigeria’s Federal Universities

Growing up, I attended private primary schools where debates on the merits of private versus government sectors were a regular part of our curriculum. As a naturally gifted debater, I often found myself championing the superiority of private schools. However, my aspirations for higher education were firmly set on attending a federal university, a dream shared by my close-knit group of friends.

Under the leadership of Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, the federal university system seemed promising. It was a beacon of hope for many, especially those from less privileged backgrounds. But this hope began to wane with the arrival of his successor. The once affordable federal university education became a financial burden for many families.

I vividly remember the drastic increase in fees: acceptance fees skyrocketed from approximately ₦60,000 to over ₦120,000, and tuition fees jumped from ₦20,000 to ₦56,000, with additional costs piling up. This financial strain has left many students in despair, leading to a rise in suicides, dropouts, and engagement in various distractions to meet the new financial demands.

Private universities have never been a viable option for the poor, and state universities, to some extent, are also out of reach. The federal universities, which were once the last hope, are now becoming inaccessible. This situation raises a critical question: Which way forward?

To the chancellors, vice-chancellors, faculty deans, sub-deans, administrators, and heads of departments: How much did you pay for your education at federal universities? If the fees had been as high as they are now, would you be in your current positions? It is disheartening to see how we, as humans, are becoming increasingly inhumane. Education, which should ideally be free, is now exorbitantly priced.

The plight of students today is a stark reminder of the need for a more equitable education system. It is a call to action for those in power to reconsider the financial barriers they have erected and to remember the fundamental right to education for all.

Credit to: Ogochukwu Obiasogu