By Balkis Tijani.
The Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has reacted to speculations on social media suggesting a purported increase in the institution’s tuition fees, which currently stands at N109,500.
Tempers flared after reports of the alleged increment gained prominence across social media platforms, as Kwarans summoned the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to act on its electioneering promise of reviewing complaints of exorbitant fees being paid by students of KWASU.
A social media user identified as Issa Ayobami, said: “No one is talking about the increment of fees in our state-owned Kwara State University.
“Whilst many were hoping that the fees would be reduced, it’s quite unfortunate that the University management took a sharp bend and did just the opposite of that.
“It’s so pathetic, the government should do something about it, we can’t steal to pay the fees of our wards still in school.”
Another, Modibbo Ibrahim, added: “Kwasu is now becoming unaffordable for children of indegenes who are average and below average earners.
“If the governor did promise to carry out a review in Kwasu, the first priority of the state government should be to ensure regular release of the subvention of the university. This will go a long way in reducing the justification of the school who charge students all this money in the name of looking inward for IGR to keep the school running and functional.”
However, in a statement issued
on behalf of the KWASU spokesperson, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye refuted the reports.
He said: “KWASU spokesperson has just told me there’s no such thing. According to her, there have been two developments concerning fee:
1. Review of acceptance fee from N30,000 to N35,000 (freshers only). She said their acceptance fee is at par with what is charged elsewhere.
2. Review of Post UTME fee from N5,000 to N2,000 (Freshers only.
“She insisted there has been no hike in or review of any other fee whatsoever.”