Facing re-election, Gov Akeredolu relents, slashes tuition fees

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With barely two months to the Ondo State Governorship election, incumbent, Rotimi Akeredolu, has slashed tuition fees of tertiary institutions in the state.

Akeredolu was heavily criticised for hiking fees of government-owned schools on assumption of office in 2016.

“The governor since assumption of office increased tuition fee from an average of N30,000 to N150,000 in Akungba and from N70,000 to N150,000 and even N200,000 in Osustech,” President of National Association of Ondo State Students, Akinteye Babatunde, had lamented.

“We unequivocally demand the reversal of tuition fees increased.

“This has led to thousands of students dropping out of various academic pursuits.”

Facing serious re-election threats, the governor has, however, succumbed to pressure after promising to review the situation.

The management of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) confirmed the development on Thursday.

 

The Acting Registrar of the institution, Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa, said in a circular issued in Akungba Akoko: “I write on the directive of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga E. Ige, to inform all returning students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, that following an earlier appeal by students, and in view of the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and students, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has directed that the university should consider a reduction in school fees in a way that quality education can still be sustained.

 

“As a follow up to the above directive, a meeting was held by the governor with the university and the student leaders.

 

“Consequently, the visitor to the university approved the reduction of tuition fees with effect from the 2019/2020 academic session, as recommended by Council.

 

According to him, the returning students of the Faculty of Sciences will now pay N120,000 instead of N150,000 while Faculty of Social and Management Sciences returning students will pay N120,000 instead of N150,000.

 

He added that the returning students of the Faculty of Agriculture would pay N100,000 instead of N150,000.

“The returning students of the Faculty of Arts will pay N80,000 instead of N100,000.00, the returning students of the Faculty of Education will pay N80,000 instead of N100,000 and the returning Law students will still pay the old fee of N150,000,” the Registrar added.

Akeredolu battles a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Mr Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party, deputy, Agboola Ajayi who is running under the Zenith Labour Party and 14 others on October 10.

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