By David Simeon
The University of Benin Comrades Community isn’t holding back. They are calling on the university management to reverse the recent hike in the acceptance fee for fresh students, describing it as unjust, surreptitious, and against the values the institution stands for.
In a press released on Sunday, November 2, 2025, the student group expressed deep frustration, labelling the fee hike “arbitrary” and criticising the management for failing to inform students before the commencement of Post-UTME registration. Families had planned for one amount, only to be confronted with a sudden increase after purchasing the forms.
The group argued that the move disregards the harsh economic reality most Nigerian families face and breaks the trust of applicants who relied on the original fee. They maintained that public institutions should act in good faith and be transparent—especially in decisions that directly affect people financially.
By keeping the fee change under wraps until after students bought their Post-UTME forms, the university, according to the group, misled applicants and trapped them into a deal under false pretences. They described it as a decision that erodes trust and reflects a lack of accountability.
The students further stressed that education should not be treated as a privilege but as a right—protected under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution. Turning it into something only the wealthy can afford, they warned, widens the gap between rich and poor. They also accused public universities of placing profit above fairness.
Beyond expressing displeasure, the group demanded swift action. They called on the Minister of Education to intervene and urged Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki to engage the university management on behalf of affected students and their families. They also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the values that both the university and the nation are meant to represent.
The Comrades Community reaffirmed their solidarity with all students and parents impacted by the new fee and demanded that the university reverse the increase immediately.
Copies of their statement were sent to the Minister of Education, the Edo State Governor, and other relevant authorities.
UNIBEN Comrades Community (UCC)
For and on behalf of the students and prospective students of the University of Benin.
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