The Students Union leaders under the banners of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Kogi State Chapter, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) and the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), have acknowledged that the Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has not increased school fees, but implemented the State Government approved unified fee structure for the three state-owned universities in Kogi State.
The position followed a meeting between the University Management and student leaders at the University’s Council Chamber on Thursday, October 22, 2026, to address concerns arising from the implementation of the unified fee structure.
At the meeting, the University Management provided relevant documents and responded to questions raised by the student representatives.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, explained that the University’s action was guided by the approved unified fee structure applicable to the three state-owned universities in Kogi State.
He explained that the unified fee structure, which became effective from the 2024/2025 academic session, had implications for the University’s existing fee schedule, adding that the implementation was also informed by an audit query relating to its previous implementation .
The Vice-Chancellor further clarified that the implementation did not apply to students currently in 400 and 500 levels. He encouraged students, parents and other stakeholders to verify the approved fees by comparing charges for corresponding departments and programmes across the three state-owned universities.
He further charged stakeholders to verify the government approved fee structure for the three State owned universities, compare the implementation in the other two universities with what is now obtainable at PAAU, and that if there is any extra difference whatsoever, Management would be ready to reverse and refund with apology.
Prof. Usman urged students, parents, guardians and other stakeholders to obtain information from official University communication channels and verify reports before sharing them on social media.
He reaffirmed the Management’s commitment to student welfare and the provision of a conducive learning environment.
He also commended the student leaders for choosing dialogue and stakeholder engagement, noting that such interactions help clarify issues, address misunderstandings and strengthen cooperation between the University and students.
Responding, the Chairman of NANS JCC, Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Adams O. Abdulrazaq, described the meeting as a constructive step towards resolving students’ concerns through dialogue and mutual understanding.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for being factual by providing documents and detailed explanation of the fee structure.
He added that the clarification had given the Unions and other Association a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the implementation.
On his part, the outgoing SUG President, Comrade Rilwan Abubakar Obaje, commended the state government for its interventions in student welfare and called for sustained engagement among the relevant stakeholders to explore ways of easing the financial burden on students.
He affirmed that, based on the explanations and documents presented at the meeting, the current University Management has not increased school fees.
He also reaffirmed the SUG’s commitment to working with NANS JCC and other student bodies to pursue students’ concerns through constructive engagement.
Comrade Obaje urged students to remain calm and rely on verified information.
He also appealed to Management to allow students to conduct the SUG election and promised that they would ensure peace and orderly conduct of students throughout the exercise.
The NAKOSS President at PAAU, Comrade Gabriel Samuel Onorouyiza, expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the University Management, NANS JCC, the SUG and other relevant stakeholders in advancing student welfare and sustaining a peaceful academic environment.
The student union leaders representatives unanimously acknowledged that the current University Management has not increased school fees, and expressed their understanding of the basis for implementing the unified fee structure in the light of the documents and explanations presented.
The Vice-Chancellor promised to allow the conduct of SUG election without further delay, while also requesting students Union leaders to pledge security assurance so as to avoid the repeat of the unfortunate incident during the FYB celebration on June 11, 2026.
He also encouraged students to take advantage of NELFUND to support their education.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his commitment to educational development across the state, particularly at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
Uredo Omale
Director, Public Affairs
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
