Outcry as UNIBEN Raises Acceptance Fee from ₦60,000 to ₦122,000

The Concerned Students’ Movement (CSM) has faulted the University of Benin’s decision to raise the acceptance fee for new students from ₦60,000 to ₦122,000 for science courses and ₦115,670 for non-science courses. The group called the increase arbitrary and insensitive, insisting it places public education further out of reach for many families.

In a statement signed by Coordinator Feranmi Gabriel and Secretary Omolaye Emmanuel, the movement said the new fee structure undermines students from working-class and low-income backgrounds who are already struggling to meet basic financial obligations. It argued that the hike tilts the admission process in favour of wealthier applicants, turning a public institution into an exclusive space.

The group also accused the Students’ Union leadership of failing to defend students’ interests, urging the immediate convening of a Students’ Union Congress where students can determine a unified response. It warned that silence will only strengthen those pushing policies that limit access to education.

CSM called on UNIBEN staff unions, students nationwide and the general public to stand in solidarity with the affected students, insisting that the fight for affordable education must continue until the fee is reversed and the principles of public education are protected.