Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), are growing increasingly concerned over rumors of a looming increase in school fees, which, according to insider reports, is expected to be announced after the upcoming elections. The move is being linked to the will of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who many believe is intent on imposing heavy financial burdens on students and their families, potentially impoverishing a large portion of Ondo State’s population.
Sources within the university disclosed that the school management has been deliberating on the fee hike for months, but has chosen to delay any official announcement until after the political climate stabilizes. According to a lecturer who spoke on condition of anonymity, the reason for the unusually long break and the delay in upgrading the school portal to the next academic session is tied to the impending fee increment.
“It is true that the school fees will be increased, and that’s why the delay. The management doesn’t want to stir up protests before the elections. They will announce it right after,” the lecturer reportedly said. He further hinted that the school management, under pressure from the state government, is aware of the potential backlash a fee hike could create, especially in an election period.
The rumored fee increase is expected to raise fees to as high as ₦300,000 for most programs, while students in nursing and medical-related fields may face fees as high as ₦1.2 million per session. This substantial increase has fueled accusations that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration is deliberately implementing policies that will make education inaccessible for many.
One student, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed frustration: “We’ve been on break for too long, and our portal is still down. I decided to ask one of my lecturers, and he confirmed that the delay is because they want to increase the fees, but they’re holding off until after the elections. He even told us to start praying about it. This is clearly Governor Aiyedatiwa’s doing, and it’s like he wants to impoverish the people of Ondo State.”
The potential hike has already sparked reactions among the student community, with many fearing the increase will make education unaffordable, particularly in a time of economic hardship across the country. Critics have accused the governor of pushing policies that will further strain already struggling families, especially in a state with widespread poverty and limited economic opportunities.
If confirmed, this fee increase would represent one of the most significant hikes in the history of AAUA, leading to widespread anxiety among students and parents alike.
Calls for clarity and transparency have begun to grow louder, with students urging the AAUA management and Governor Aiyedatiwa to communicate openly about their plans and offer solutions to help cushion the effects of the proposed increase.
For now, the AAUA community waits with bated breath for an official statement from the university management, even as the shadow of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s controversial school fee policy looms large.
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