The National Association of Nigerian Students has sharply challenged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s recent tuition increase, demanding a rollback within seven days or risking serious unrest on campus and beyond. The student federation’s demand has added fresh tension to a debate over rising education costs in Nigeria’s higher institutions.
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NANS and Students Reject Drastic Tuition Hike
On January 9 2026, the South East Zone F leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students issued a strongly worded statement to the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). In the document, NANS described the fee increase as insensitive and unfair, warning of disruptive action if university authorities fail to act by January 16 2026.
The student body said the fresh policy to raise tuition and acceptance fees represented an “outrageous” change made without consulting the affected students or their representatives. NANS is calling for an immediate return to the previous fee levels and insists that the institution establish a transparent mechanism for discussing policies that affect student welfare.
According to the body, the recent adjustments have more than doubled what incoming students are expected to pay for tuition and related charges. Students and their families are now facing a heavier financial burden at a time when many Nigerian households are already struggling with broader economic challenges.
The ultimatum emphasises that failure to rescind the fees will prompt a range of “legitimate” actions, including shutting down academic and administrative activities at the university. It also directed all current and prospective UNN students to stop paying any fees pending resolution of the standoff.
NANS Calls for Inclusive Dialogue
NANS not only rejected the fee increase but also called on UNN management to enter a more inclusive and consultative process with the student community. The students’ body wants regular engagement channels that allow student voices to be heard before major decisions are taken.
“We want decisions about student welfare and finances not to be made unilaterally,” the statement said, urging university leadership to improve infrastructure, security, and learning conditions on both the Nsukka and Enugu campuses.
Such demands reflect a growing sentiment among Nigerian undergraduates that institutional governance should take student welfare seriously, particularly when policy shifts involve fees and access to education. The call for transparent dialogue resonates with previous student actions across Nigerian campuses in recent years, where sudden policy changes have sparked protests and public outcry.
UNN Students’ Union Advocates Calm and Constructive Engagement
In response to rising tensions, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at UNN issued a memo urging students to remain calm and patient as talks continue with management. The SUG acknowledged the concerns of students and committed to ongoing engagement that considers both student welfare and the long-term development needs of the institution.
The memo noted that pressure from student representatives has encouraged management to return to the negotiation table to seek common ground on the fees matter. It appealed to activists and external supporters to pause plans for protests or other disruptive actions while dialogue proceeds.
The SUG emphasised that peaceful negotiation, not chaotic demonstrations, offers the best path forward. It warned that uncoordinated protest efforts could undermine progress already made in talks with UNN leadership. The union stated that management has acknowledged students’ concerns and is open to discussions that reflect mutual interests.
Broader Context of Rising University Fees in Nigeria
The disagreement at UNN over fee increases is part of a wider trend in Nigerian tertiary education. Across the country, several federal and state universities have adjusted tuition and other institutional charges in recent years, sometimes resulting in protests and negotiations with student groups.
In some cases, sustained student activism has led to meaningful engagement and even fee reductions, as witnessed in previous discussions between National Association of Nigerian Students leaders and management teams at other institutions.
However, steep tuition increases remain a major issue for many Nigerian families. With fees at some universities now more than ten times higher than they were a few years ago, students and advocates say the cost of tertiary education is increasingly out of reach for many.
Critics argue that without adequate funding from the government and sensible financial planning by institutions, students will continue to bear the brunt of rising costs through higher fees and levies. Supporters of fee adjustments, on the other hand, contend that increased charges are needed to address infrastructure shortfalls, staffing challenges, and service improvements.
NANS leaders emphasise that change in the education sector must balance institutional sustainability with fairness and affordability for students. They warn that unilateral decisions on fees often lead to distrust and conflict, undermining the core mission of universities to expand access to quality learning.
What Happens Next
UNN now faces a critical deadline, with the NANS ultimatum set to expire on January 16 2026. Students, parents, and educational stakeholders at large are watching closely to see whether management will roll back the fee increase or face mass action that could disrupt the academic calendar.
Should talks fail, NANS leaders have vowed to escalate their campaign through concerted mobilisation across campuses, a move that could ripple into wider student activism nationwide. Yet, both students and union leaders have expressed hope that negotiation and mutual respect will yield a solution that safeguards access to education while addressing the legitimate interests of the university.
As events unfold, the outcome at UNN may set a precedent for how Nigerian universities, students, and governing bodies handle sensitive policy decisions in the future.
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