The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, says the hike of tuition fees for the state university is in the best interest of the students.
The proposed fee had generated controversy leading to protest by students on Wednesday.
But Balarabe, in a statement on Wednesday night, said the increment was painful but necessary “for the betterment of the generality of the people.”
The deputy governor was quoted to have made the remark when representatives of the students met with senior government officials over the hike in tuition fees.
“We understand the pain, we are also pained but sometimes, some decisions are taken for the betterment of the generality of the people,” she said.
“We want you to be proud that you went to one of the best schools. We want Kaduna state students to hold their heads high wherever they might be and be proud to represent Kaduna.’’
The deputy governor further said the state government was spending about N5bn on KASU as the N26,000 that students were paying was not enough to pay lecturers for three months.
Speaking during the meeting, Secretary to the State Government, Malam Balarabe Lawal, pointed out that university education in the country was collapsing because of inadequate funding.
On his part, the Chief of Staff, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi advised the students’ representatives “to go back and discuss with your colleagues and get them to see reasons.”
