NDC faults ABU fee increase, accuses Tinubu government of worsening poverty
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the latest increase in registration charges at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of deepening financial pressure on Nigerian households.
ABU’s fee structure for the 2026/2027 academic session puts registration charges for Nigerian undergraduates between N143,000 and N298,000, depending on their course and level of study.
The revised amounts represent a significant increase from the previous charges, which ranged from N62,000 to N84,000.
In a reaction to the development, the NDC argued that the higher charges would further strain families already struggling with rising living costs and the increasing expense of tertiary education.
The party said the financial demands associated with sending children to university had become increasingly difficult for many working-class households under the prevailing economic conditions.
“The take-home pay of many working-class Nigerians who depend on federal institutions like ABU to see their children through higher education cannot even take them home, let alone cover the new fee increase,” the NDC said.
The opposition group described the adjustment as an additional financial burden on students and their families, attributing the situation to what it called “anti-people policies” of the Tinubu administration.
It also expressed concern over the impact of the new charges on students enrolled at the institution.
“We empathise with Nigerian students who are now bearing the brunt of the failed policies of the Tinubu-led administration,” the party said.
The NDC said the development highlighted the need for greater government investment in public universities and measures aimed at reducing the financial barriers facing young Nigerians seeking higher education.
The party further stated that a government led by Peter Obi would place greater emphasis on university funding and pursue policies it believes would create better opportunities for young Nigerians to develop and prosper.The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the latest increase in registration charges at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of deepening financial pressure on Nigerian households.
ABU’s fee structure for the 2026/2027 academic session puts registration charges for Nigerian undergraduates between N143,000 and N298,000, depending on their course and level of study.
The revised amounts represent a significant increase from the previous charges, which ranged from N62,000 to N84,000.
In a reaction to the development, the NDC argued that the higher charges would further strain families already struggling with rising living costs and the increasing expense of tertiary education.
The party said the financial demands associated with sending children to university had become increasingly difficult for many working-class households under the prevailing economic conditions.
“The take-home pay of many working-class Nigerians who depend on federal institutions like ABU to see their children through higher education cannot even take them home, let alone cover the new fee increase,” the NDC said.
The opposition group described the adjustment as an additional financial burden on students and their families, attributing the situation to what it called “anti-people policies” of the Tinubu administration.
It also expressed concern over the impact of the new charges on students enrolled at the institution.
“We empathise with Nigerian students who are now bearing the brunt of the failed policies of the Tinubu-led administration,” the party said.
The NDC said the development highlighted the need for greater government investment in public universities and measures aimed at reducing the financial barriers facing young Nigerians seeking higher education.
The party further stated that a government led by Peter Obi would place greater emphasis on university funding and pursue policies it believes would create better opportunities for young Nigerians to develop and prosper.
