Students of the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO), Bayelsa state, have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the recent 50 percent increase in school fees by the institution’s management.
The revised fees now stand at ₦78,500 for Non-Sciences, ₦90,500 for Sciences, ₦107,500 for Medical Sciences, and ₦100,500 for Law. Following negotiations, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) led by Comrade Zolo Tolomokizee secured slight reductions: ₦9,000 for Non-Science students, ₦11,000 for Sciences, and ₦13,000 each for Medical Sciences and Law.
According to the SUG Public Relations Officer, Comrade Victor Ebibralade, the concession came after student leaders pressed management to review the initial hike.
Despite this, many students remain displeased, arguing that the new fees are unjustified and do not reflect the quality of facilities and learning conditions on campus. Social media has been flooded with complaints, with some noting that this marks the second tuition increase within a year.
A student identified as KpB criticized the timing of the announcement, questioning why management released the statement immediately after exams. “The university says rising costs are the reason, but what costs exactly? This has left many of us heartbroken,” the student said.
Charles, a 400-level Sociology student, openly condemned the SUG leadership for what he described as a betrayal. “Enough is enough. Why agree to another increment when students and their parents are already struggling? Will this fee guarantee better classrooms, electricity, or learning materials? Even lecturers complain about poor working conditions,” he lamented.
Another student, Benny Omini, described the development as painful, noting that she chose FUO because of its affordability. “Within one year, fees have been raised twice. This is a federal university, yet the facilities are inadequate—poor lecture halls, insufficient chairs, unreliable power, bad toilets, and an under-equipped clinic. How do they justify collecting more money?” she asked.
Students also fear the hike will trigger higher accommodation costs, compounding their financial burden. Many have vowed to continue pressing for a reversal, insisting that the increases are unfair and unsustainable.
