Governor Uba Sani Slashes Kaduna Tertiary Fees by Up to 50% to Ease Financial Burden

In a move that will help alleviate the financial burden on students and parents, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has slashed tuition fees at all state-owned tertiary institutions by up to 50%.

The move comes as the country is facing increased economic pressure following the ending of fuel subsidies.

The decrease in the tuition fees from school to school is hoped to improve access to education and curb the rate of dropouts by students who cannot pay rising tuition rates. Governor Sani said that the initiative was in sync with his administration’s people-centered governance agenda, and education is one of the key pillars.

As per the new policy, the tuition fees have been reduced as follows:
• Kaduna State University (KASU): Decreased by 30%, from ₦150,000 to ₦105,000.
• Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria: 50% reduction of fees, from ₦100,000 to ₦50,000.
• College of Education, Gidan Waya: 50% reduction of fees, from ₦75,000 to ₦37,500.
• Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi:
• HND courses reduced by 30%, from ₦100,000 to ₦70,000.
• ND courses reduced by 30%, from ₦75,000 to ₦52,500.
• Kaduna State College of Nursing: Fees cut by 30%, from ₦100,000 to ₦70,000.

Governor Sani explained the action was taken after careful consideration of the economic status facing the majority of families and the increasing cry against the affordability of state tertiary education.

The slashing of the tuition fees is a strategic action to counter the adverse effects of the fuel subsidy removal, which increased the cost of living among the majority of Nigerians,” Governor Sani declared.

“A right, not a privilege, education is, and our administration is committed to eliminating hindrances barring youths from having access to it.”.

He emphasized that the initiative is an integral part of a broader agenda to increase enrollment and retention in higher education institutions and promote equal access to quality learning opportunities.

Apart from the reduction in tuition, the Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to holistic educational reform. Ongoing efforts include:
• Furnishing free and quality basic education from primary to secondary levels.
• Improved welfare and professional development for teachers.
• Improvement of the education infrastructure and learning institutions.
• Investment in digital literacy and ICT skills from the early education level.
• Increase in vocational and technical education to equip students with employable skills.

These reforms are a long-term vision to empower the youth of Kaduna State to become educated, skilled, and knowledgeable enough to meet the needs of the economy in the contemporary world.

The lowering of fees has been well-received by students, parents, and civil society groups, who have considered it as an attempt towards making the education system more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the ordinary Nigerian.