By Ogalla Ogalla
The vice-chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) in Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Usman, has defended the institution’s recent fee increase during an investigative hearing held by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
During the hearing in Lokoja, Usman eemphasised that the fee adjustments were not arbitrary but part of a unified structure approved by the Kogi State Government, for its three state-owned universities. He clarified that the government’s directive issued in 2024 aimed to harmonize fees across these institutions.
According to Usman, PAAU’s fees are relatively lower compared to those of similar institutions in adjacent states. He highlighted that the contention primarily revolves around medical programs, including Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science, which require substantial investments, especially during clinical training.
The vice-chancellor acknowledged previous efforts by his predecessor and the former state governor in supporting medical education. He encouraged students to utilize the NELFUND, which also offers a monthly stipend for living expenses, stating that repayment would commence two years after graduation upon securing employment.
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Usman stated that 4,032 students have been approved for loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), totaling N536.7 million. This comes amid concerns raised in a petition regarding what many termed arbitrary fee hikes at PAAU and Kogi State Polytechnic.
Mr. Wemi Jones, the state’s Commissioner for Education, supported Usman’s position, asserting that the government adhered to proper procedures while considering economic factors in the fee review. He dismissed claims that Kogi State Polytechnic increased accommodation fees, stating instead that charges had been reduced.
The chairman of the House Committee on Education, Mr. Idris Maikudi, announced that investigations will be conducted to analyze the fee structures at local institutions compared to those in nearby states. Concerns about the need for continued support for medical education were echoed by several representatives during the hearing.
