Why we increased tuition fees — TASUED
In a recent press briefing, Prof Oluwole Banjo, the Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education in Ogun State, has linked the recent increase in the institution’s tuition fees to the removal of fuel subsidy by the government.
The announcement came ahead of the university’s upcoming triple convocation ceremonies scheduled for next Tuesday.
The Vice-Chancellor, addressing the media on Wednesday, highlighted the financial challenges faced by the university, which have been exacerbated by the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
The decision to raise the fees was deemed necessary to maintain the quality of education and the institution’s operational viability. Prof Banjo took the opportunity to detail the forthcoming convocation events, which he described as “very exceptional.”
The combined 13th, 14th, and 15th convocation ceremonies will celebrate the academic achievements of 5,153 students. Among the graduates, 18 have earned First-class honours, showcasing the university’s commitment to academic excellence despite financial hurdles.
The graduating cohort also includes 159 Master’s degree recipients, 60 Post Graduate Diploma in Education awardees, and 30 Post Graduate Diploma holders.
The convocation is set to be a significant event for the university, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from both the students and the faculty. The increase in tuition fees has been a contentious issue, with many stakeholders calling for a more sustainable approach to funding higher education in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor’s announcement has brought to light the broader implications of national economic policies on educational institutions and their students.
He said that the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and erstwhile President of TASUED Trust Foundation, Dr Tunde Lemo would be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics.
The VC said, “This year is exceptional as we witness the combined convocation of the 13th, 14th, and 15th ceremonies, with a total of 5,153 students graduating. Among them, 18 have achieved first-class honours, while 159 are graduating with master’s degrees, 60 with PGDE, and 30 with PGD.
“This year’s Honorary Degree will be bestowed on Dr Tunde Lemo, former CBN Deputy Governor and former President TASUED Trust Foundation.”
Speaking on the hike in the school fees, the VC said that after a series of meetings, the management reviewed the fees from N260,000 to N148,500 for returning students offering education and N158,500 for science students while fresh students offering education will pay N170,000 and those offering science courses will pay N180,000.
He said that the students could also choose to pay by instalments and that under this arrangement, the students will pay 60 per cent of their fees during the first semester and pay up the remaining 40 per cent during the second semester.
The VC said, “I also wish to address the recent adjustment in the school fees regime. Recognising the changing economic landscape brought about by the removal of the Fuel subsidy and its attendant effect, the university has however introduced a two-installment payment plan to alleviate the financial burden on students.
“The institution’s work-study program provides an opportunity for students to work on campus while maintaining their studies.”
The VC also said that the institution is leaving no stone unturned to improve the security of both the staff and students of the school.
“On this security matter, we are leaving nothing to chance, I have even been to see the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and we are regularly working with the state Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun to ensure that everyone is secured.”
The VC said that the combined convocations will also witness the launching of some infrastructural projects such as the Crystal Building, an ICT-based research and teaching facility, along with the Alumni Building, a 2,000-seater capacity lecture theatre generously donated to the varsity.
