The Nation Newspaper

Tag: TUITION

  • Student loan, tuition payment platform launched

    Student loan, tuition payment platform launched

    AfriCred, a Fintech company, is partnering leading financial institutions in Africa and around the world to help students and guardians access credit for their studies.

    It offers short and long-term loans through financial institutions, instant tuition fee payment and living expenses travel credit cards, empowering students to take control of their higher education finances.

    The firm streamlines the loan process by providing a wide selection of leading global and Africa-based lenders at competitive rates, delivered with the best customer support. It has established exclusive partnerships with over 35 global universities across USA, Canada, Malta, European Union to offer on-click tuition payment experience.

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    Chief Executive Officer of AfriCred, Siddharth Maheshwari said its mission is to empower students by offering convenient and affordable access to credit, through robust partnerships with global financial institutions that provide loans at competitive interest rates, without requiring a co-signer or collateral.

    “We aim to ensure that no deserving student faces financial constraints for local or global university admissions,” he added.

    Senior Manager, Jerry Opara, said the firm is partnering various study-abroad businesses and higher education consultants, supporting existing organisations to better serve their students.

    “We are super excited to partner with AfriCred to help our students in Nigeria and Kenya access higher education financing and fee payment and very happy with the feedback of the students. We look to strengthen the exclusive partnership,” said Chris Velasco of Edison College, Canada.

    Director at ProU Education, Dr Piyush Jain, said: “Credit is fundamentally broken in education, especially when crossing borders. We can finally support our study abroad aspirants with an entire financial suite of solutions from loans and proof of funds to remittance and travel cards.”

  • OAU reduces tuition, other fees

    OAU reduces tuition, other fees

    The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State has slightly reduced the 300 percent increment it announced.

    The Nation reports the management after an emergency meeting in September increased the tuition fee by 300 percent. But students kicked it vowing to shut down the school.

    On Monday, the management of the institution announced slight reduction of the fee, describing it as ‘management magnanimity.’

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Abiodun Olarewaju, explained: “In a rare show of administrative magnanimity, the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have readjusted downward the sundry charges payable by the students of the University.

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    “This followed the meeting the University management had with the leadership of the Students Union on Monday, 25th September, 2023. The Students Union leaders were adamant that the charges be reduced by 50%, but the University management made it clear that the new charges were the minimum the University require to run efficiently.

    “The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, graciously announced that the charges initially announced have been reduced as follows: For the students in Humanities, the initial sundry charges of N89, 200 for returning students have been reduced to N76,000 while the new students in the Humanities, the initial fees of N151,200 have been reduced to N131,000. 

    “For those in the Sciences and Technology, the initial charges of N101,200, for returning students is now N86,000 while the new students in the same Faculties will now pay N141,000 instead of the initial N163,200. In the same vein, the returning students in the Pharmacy and College of Health Sciences will now pay N109,000, instead of N128,200. The new students in the same Faculties will now pay N164,000 instead of the initial charges of N190,000.”

    The statement added the University management has agreed the payment can be in two equal installments.

  • AOCOED cuts tuition

    AOCOED cuts tuition

    THE  management of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, has reduced fees for her full-time Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) students.

    A statement made available to The Nation stated that the reduction was arrived at a meeting the institution’s management held with the Students’ Union (SU) executives.

    The statement signed by the Registrar Mr Shehu Abdulqadri Muhideen, stated that management of AOCOED agreed to the agitation by students for a reduced fee, after a meeting with SU executive late last month.

    The students kicked against an upward review of the fees, which was agreed between management and the Parents’ Forum last October.

    With effect from the 2017/2018 Academic Session, tuition for 100-level students on regular NCE programme, is N25,000 as against N28,000. The reduced fee  covers acceptance fee, administrative charges, ICT levy, biometric ID card, sports, medical, library and teaching practice (TP).

     

  • Kwara poly ‘to cut tuition by N5,000’

    Kwara poly ‘to cut tuition by N5,000’

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged the management of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, to cut its tuition by N5,000.

    The governor’s directive followed complaints and controversies on alleged fee increment at the polytechnic.

    A statement by Ahmed’s media aide, Muideen Akorede, said a reduction in the tuition was in recognition of economic challenges.

    Ahmed, who noted concerns expressed by stakeholders, said the school maintained the fees charged in the 2016/2017 academic session, and reduced fees for the new session by N5,000.

    The statement reads: “Our government has become aware of complaints by students, parents and stakeholders of the Kwara State Polytechnic, regarding the alleged fee increment.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the school has not only maintained the fees charged in the 2016/2017 acadmic session, it has reduced fees payable in the new session by N5,000.

    “Nevertheless, I have noted concerns by stakeholders, including Senate President Abubakar Saraki, about students, guardians and parents’ capability to pay the specified fees.

    “Having considered the above and recognising the current economic challenges facing families in the country, I, hereby, urge the management to reduce its current fees by N5,000.”

  • Kwara poly urged to cut tuition by N5,000

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged the management of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, to cut its tuition by N5,000.

    The governor’s directive followed recent complaints and controversies on the alleged fee increment at the polytechnic.

    A statement by his media aide, Muideen Akorede, said a reduction in the tuition was in recognition of the current economic challenges in the country.

    Ahmed, who noted concerns expressed by stakeholders, said the school maintained the fees charged in the 2016/2017 academic session, and reduced the fees for the new session by N5,000.

    The statement reads: “Our government has become aware of complaints by students, parents and stakeholders of the Kwara State Polytechnic, regarding the alleged fee increment.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the school has not only maintained the fees charged in the 2016/2017 acadmic session, it has reduced fees payable in the new session by N5,000.

    “Nevertheless, I have noted concerns by stakeholders, including Senate President Abubakar Saraki, about students, guardians and parents’ capability to pay the specified fees.

    “Having considered the above and recognising the current economic challenges facing families in the country, I, hereby, urge the management to reduce its current fees by N5,000.”

  • Sokoto releases N422m for payment of tuition

    THE Sokoto State Government, has released N422 million for the payment of tuition fees of its indigenes, studying at some local and foreign institutions.

    This information is contained in a statement signed by the Information Officer, Nura Maikwanci, Ministry of Higher Education and issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Friday.

    It said that students at Baze University, Abuja, got N118 million while N257 million was paid for the 2015/2016 academic session to students studying in various institutions in Sudan. In the same vein, the statement said N47 million was paid as tuition and upkeep allowance for students studying in Uganda. According to the statement, the gesture is in view of the State Government’s commitment to encourage the state indigenes to pursue higher education in various fields within and outside Nigeria.

    ”It is imperative for the benefiting students to concentrate more on their studies; to justify the huge resources being expended on them by the government”.

  • ‘Tuition, cost of living low in Holland’

    ‘Tuition, cost of living low in Holland’

    Come Saturday, June 10, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria will host the maiden Study in Holland fair at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos. It is designed for Nigerians seeking foreign education in the Netherlands. Fellowship Officer/Consular Affairs, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Temitayo Akinbiyi, told ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA that the fair will serve as a confluence for prospective Nigerians and representatives of several top higher educational institutions in The Netherland on available opportunities.

    What is rationale behind the maiden Education fair in the Netherlands?

    The purpose is to create awareness of the Dutch educational system and all the possibilities within it in Nigeria. The fair is also to invite students from Nigeria to consider reputable educational institutions in the Netherlands and establish a lasting relationship between both parties.

    A greater percentage of Nigerians have little knowledge of the Dutch educational system, its admission process, knowledge of schools and the undeniable fact that there are numerous English taught courses in The Netherlands. They are not aware of the many opportunities available to international students, of which Nigerians can be a part. Therefore, the fair is a good avenue to learn more about the Dutch educational system, create a good level of awareness and at the same time recruit students.

    What stands out The Netherlands education system from other developed economies?

    Higher education in The Netherlands has a global reputation for its high quality. This quality is guaranteed through a national system of regulation and quality assurance. The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centred. Studying in The Netherlands means developing your own opinion, an open mind and increasing your international orientation. There are also lots of scholarship opportunities.

    What does the term ‘internationalising  higher education ‘mean? How can higher education bridge the skills-employability gap that exists among the youth?

    Internationalisation of higher education is the approach being adopted by governments to improve and empower higher education in their countries, making it comparable to the best in the world. It is a response to globalisation by ensuring that universities have a curriculum that encompass international and local elements and can produce graduates that can meet the needs of an increasingly international labour market.

    Can you give us an instance?

    Holland’s many international students come from 190 different countries because the Dutch society is strongly connected to other cultures, the business community and the world. Some of the world’s biggest multinationals, including Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING and Unilever, are Dutch. The Netherlands is a world leader in many areas of expertise, including agriculture, water management, art & design, logistics and sustainable energy.

    Specialised and practical higher education, which meets our national productivity needs is the solution to the skills-employability gap that exists among Nigeria’s youthful population.

    How affordable is studying in The Netherlands for an average Nigerian?

    Tuition fees are comparatively low and living is comparatively cheap.

    How many universities are you expecting from The Netherlands at the fair?

    Several Dutch higher educational institutions will be represented at the fair. Amongst these are universities of applied sciences, research universities and institutes for international education.

    What are the entry requirements for foreign students seeking university admission in The Netherlands?

    First, foreign students need to find a study programme and then check the admission requirements. Application procedures may vary by institution and type of programme. The education institution usually sets a minimum qualification requirement for admission to the programme. In many cases it is essential that foreign students can speak, read and write well in English. They must have passed an English language test, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), are commonly accepted.

    What arrangements have you to educate visitors to the fair on visa regulations and local laws in The Netherlands?

    The Consular Section of the Embassy will be at the fair to provide detailed information on study visa procedure and regulations, Dutch culture and society, among others.

    What experiences await visitors to the fair?

    The fair will have in attendance top higher educational institutions from The Netherlands to enlighten students, parents, career  counsellors and other visitors on study programmes, admission requirements, scholarships, curriculum, housing, and costs associated with studying and living in The Netherlands.

  • Tech firm offers discount on tuition

    Edusko.com, an education technology platform that connects parents and students with good and affordable schools within and outside Africa has celebrated its first anniversary with a reward of up to 40 per cent off school fees for Nigerian parents.

    Its founder, Jide Ayegbusi, said the startup is committed to helping ease the burden off loving parents who are finding smart ways to give their children quality education despite the tough times.

    “For the past one year, we have not relented in our efforts at connecting African parents and students with good and affordable schools across the globe with ease. We have even gone further to make available and accessible, leading partner schools that are willing to reward our users with school fees discounts against next session.

    “This is just our own way of rewarding loving parents who will not compromrise on giving their children quality education despite tough times. Although we are currently experiencing harsh economic climate, yet parents must not break banks to give their children quality education,” he said.

    Edusko was launched in 2015 to help parents and students find good schools amidst thousands jostling for their attention. In the past one year, the start-up has helped over 30,000 parents make informed decisions and referred over 600 students to good and affordable schools in Nigeria and beyond.

    “Already, thousands of leading schools in Africa and beyond have been signed up with edusko.com.

    “Schools ranging from crèche, nursery and primary, secondary, tertiary to special schools in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, UK, Canada, United States and China are freely available for school finders on edusko.com.

    “To claim discount, interested parents should visit the website, browse through various discounts offered by the schools and apply accordingly.

     

  • Tuition fee reduction at EKSU

    For Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Christmas has already happened.  Or what else can we make of the tuition fee reduction announced by Governor Ayo Fayose last Friday?  It was indeed a Christmas gift coming almost one month early.

    However, while I applaud the governor for reducing the tuition fees to ease the burden borne by parents, I also urge him to ease the burden borne by the university management in running the university – simply by paying the N20,000 shortfall in revenue per student back to the school.    It is only in this country that university education is cheaper than primary and secondary education.  Education may be announced to be free.  But in reality, someone pays because schools cannot run without money.  So, I urge the governor to follow up this announcement with increased subvention to the university.

    But I will not fail to commend the governor for his decision not to change the leadership of the university and that of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, simply because they were appointed by his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.  He acknowledged that administrators of these two institutions have done well so far.  This is good.  Other leaders should learn from Fayose in this regard.

  • Tuition fee hike non-negotiable, says AAUA VC

    The Vice-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof Olufemi Mimiko has confirmed a fee increment from the 2013/2014 Session.

    Though silent on the percentage, he however said the university would still remain among institutions that charge the most reasonable fees in the country.

    Mimiko, who gave the assurance while speaking with reporters, said the university would institute a scholarship scheme to take care of genuinely indigent students.

    The university, established about 14 years ago by the administration of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, charges an average of N25, 000 as school fees per session, which Mimiko said is no longer sustainable.

    “I am constrained to say that the N25, 000 charged as tuition fee is quite low. I have told the students that it is not politically correct in this part of the world to charge high school fees.

    “Indeed, the Visitor to the University, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has made it clear to us in the last budget presentation that he did not want any person to drop out of school by reason of inability to pay tuition and he instructed that we should just sustain that little amount that we charge.

    “But we are getting to a point that it may be inevitable to do a mark-up as it were. We used the opportunity of the last Convocation to share this idea with parents during the elaborate Parents’ Forum. And the parents endorsed it.

    “We have also spoken to the students’ leadership that most likely in the new academic session, we’re going to be asking students to pay a little more to enable us to strengthen our ability to deliver some very critical infrastructural projects on campus, he said”

    The VC said the institution would float a scholarship scheme that would be robust enough to take care of all indigent students.

    “We have started the process. In fact, our plan is to launch the scholarship scheme before the introduction of the new fee regime. I am confident that at the end of the day, no indigent student will drop out of school because of the scholarship scheme,” he said.