Students kick as Baze University hikes tuition by 35%, hostel 100%

A private institution, Baze University, Abuja, has given a notice of 35 percent increase in its tuition fees.

Established in 2011, it prides itself on providing education to British standards at about half the cost of studying abroad.

A circular, titled: “Increase in tuition fees,” signed by the Deputy Registrar and Dean of Student Affairs (Acting), Kehinde Adekeye, said with effect from May 2024, the university would commence the implementation of the increment.

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The circular, which was made available to The Eagle Online on Friday stated that the fees were reviewed upward due to continued rise in the goods and services, provision of competitive salaries and benefits, compliance efforts with government regulations and accreditation standards among others.

It read: “I am directed to inform you that careful consideration and assessment of various factors such as the astronomical rise in the cost of goods and services, provision of competitive salaries and benefits, compliance efforts with government regulations and accreditation standards and general economic downturns, the university management has decided to implement the following fees adjustment as approved by the University governing Council, effective May 2024:

Tuition Fees: 35%increase for all students

Hostel fees: 100% increase.

Feeding charges: At parent’s discretion

Laundry charges: 25% increase

Internship (SIWES) Fees: 35% increase

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to uphold the standards of excellence at our Institution.”

In a swift reaction, the management of Baze University has been urged to rethink its decision to implement the new fees.

A petition written to the Pro Chancellor of the University through the office of the Dean by a student, Onemena Odebala, on behalf of others described the increment as not only “unjustifiable but also deeply burdensome to the student community”.

The petition read: “We, the undersigned students of Baze University, bring forth this petition to express our strong opposition to the recent fee increases announced by the university administration.

“It is with great concern and dissatisfaction that we have learned of the significant increments in school fees, laundry charges, internship fees (SIWES), and hostel fees.

“The unilateral decision to impose a 35% increase in school fees, 25% increase in laundry charges, and a staggering 100% increment in hostel fees is not only unjustifiable but also deeply burdensome to the student community.

“As stakeholders in our education and living conditions, we refuse to accept such exorbitant hikes without adequate justification and consideration of our welfare.

“The timing of these increases exacerbates the hardship faced by students, many of whom already struggle to meet the existing financial obligations of their education.

“Moreover, the lack of transparency and consultation in the decision-making process is a clear violation of the principles of fair governance and accountability.

“Furthermore, it is imperative to highlight the deplorable state of amenities within the university hostel. Despite the exorbitant fees charged for accommodation, students are deprived of basic necessities such as steady water supply, clean toilets, and consistent electricity.

“The male hostel residents endure regular power outages due to malfunctioning generators, while female students contend with dysfunctional toilets. We assert that such conditions are unacceptable and do not warrant any increase in fees.

“Instead of burdening students with additional financial obligations, the university administration should prioritise addressing these fundamental issues to ensure a conducive living and learning environment for all.”

In view of the above mentioned, Odebala stated further: “Additionally, we draw attention to the prevailing economic realities in our country, where the fluctuating exchange rates and challenging economic conditions make it untenable for students to bear further financial burdens.

“Therefore, we respectfully demand the following actions:

• Immediate suspension of the proposed fee increases until a comprehensive review
  involving student representatives is conducted.
• Transparent communication regarding the rationale behind the fee adjustments and a breakdown of how the additional funds will be utilised.
• Urgent measures to improve the living conditions within the university hostel,
  including the provision of essential amenities and maintenance services.
• Establishment of a dialogue platform between the university administration and
  student body to address grievances and concerns in a collaborative manner.

“We, the students of Baze University, hereby affix our signatures to this petition as a testament to our collective dissent and determination to advocate for fairness, transparency, and accountability in university governance.”