Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has reduced tuition fees in state tertiary institutions.
The governor announced the cuts during an interactive session with reporters in Kaduna on Monday.
The immediate previous administration of Nasir El-Rufai had increased school fees for tertiary institutions.
El-Rufai had argued that due to limited state resources, his government could no longer subsidize education.
Despite protests from students and parents, he did not reverse the government’s decision on the increase.
Mr. Sani, however, decided to lower tuition in response to public outcry and the effect of increased tuition on enrollment and retention.
He said the N150,000 tuition paid by students at the Kaduna State University now it has been reduced by 30 percent. Students will pay from now on N105,000.
Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic student tuition was reduced from N100,000 to N50,000.
For the Faculty of Education, Gidan Waya, the tuition fee was reduced from N75,000 to N37,500.
The fees charged by the Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi, for Higher National Diploma courses were revised from N100,000 to N70,000.
Similarly, the fee for National Diploma courses at the same institution was reduced from N75,000 to N52,000.
For the Kaduna State College of Nursing, the fee was revised from N100,000 to N70,000.
The governor described the measure as a palliative by his government to cushion the effect of the elimination of the oil subsidy and its harsh economic impact on the population.
He said that the directors of tertiary institutions, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, obtained relevant information on the existing fee regime in state tertiary institutions and recommended a reduction in tuition.
“That the existing fee regime at state tertiary institutions is onerous and has led to a significant decline in student enrollment.
“That the existing fees have caused many students to abandon their pursuit of tertiary education or transfer to alternative institutions,” he said.
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Mr. Sani then reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the well-being of the people.
“My administration will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure access to a free, quality education for every child in the state from elementary through high school,” he said.
He said that expanding access to higher education, improving the well-being of teachers and teaching standards, as well as improving school infrastructure had developed ICT competence in students from the basic education level.
residents rejoice
Many residents who spoke to Newslodge about the reduction applauded the governor for looking into the matter and acting on the people’s wishes.
“I am a father, and this is quite an interesting development. Even if it is reduced by one naira, it will be of great help. Many students had to stop studying when the former governor raised tuition fees. Now we have a governor who is reasoning with the poor people,” said Hajia Halima.
Istifanus Malam, a father, also told Newslodge that he was happy with the development.
“I have two children who are currently studying in two of the state institutions. This review is good at the right time.”
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