Students from Kano State staged a protest on Wednesday at the Kano State Government House, demanding the fulfillment of a promise to cover their tuition fees at the Federal University Dutse (FUD) in Jigawa State.
The National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS) says over 3,000 students are struggling to afford the recently increased fees.
“The university increased the fees by 200% last year,” said Umar Korau, leader of the students’ union government at FUD. “This makes it impossible for many students and their parents to pay.”
The protest comes after a previous agreement between the Kano State government and FUD to cover 60% of the students’ tuition for the last semester. However, according to Korau, the government has yet to fulfill its obligation, leaving students in limbo.
“We were allowed to sit for the second semester exam last year because of the government’s promise,” Korau explained. “Now, the university is demanding payment before allowing us to take the first-semester exams this year. We risk dropping out if this isn’t resolved.”
The students, carrying placards and chanting slogans, pleaded with Governor Abba Yusuf to intervene.
“We urge the Kano State government to redeem its promise and pay the outstanding fees,” a student protester said. “We just want to continue our education.”
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Shehu Sagagi, received the students and assured them their message would be delivered to the governor.
