In response to recent student protests, the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has taken steps to alleviate the financial burden on its students by approving a reduction in fees and the introduction of an instalment payment option for the 2022/2023 academic session.
UNIJOS announced that it will dedicate two percent of the total fees paid by all students to assist indigent students.
Half of this fund, equivalent to 50 percent, will be allocated for scholarships to support students in need, while the remaining 50 percent will be directed towards expanding the university’s work-study program.
This decision comes in the wake of widespread protests by students who opposed a fee hike imposed by the university.
UNIJOS announces fee reduction
The fee increase saw returning students’ fees rise from approximately ₦45,000 to ₦160,000, while new entrants faced a fee of ₦200,000.
To address the concerns raised by students, UNIJOS initiated discussions with the expanded Students Union Government Executives, which led to the decision to revise the fee structure.
As a result, fees for returning students not taking GST courses have been reduced from ₦150,000 to ₦95,000, while those offering GST courses will pay ₦100,000.
Fresh students will now pay ₦130,000, a reduction from the initial charge of ₦180,000. Additionally, laboratory, studio, and workshop charges have been lowered to ₦25,000 for students exclusively using these facilities, down from ₦30,000.
Furthermore, UNIJOS has introduced an instalment payment plan. Returning students who do not use laboratory/studio/workshop facilities and do not take GST courses are required to make an initial payment of ₦95,000, followed by a second instalment of ₦10,000.
Those returning students who offer GST courses but do not use laboratory/studio/workshop facilities will pay ₦100,000 as the first instalment and ₦10,000 as the second.
Returning students who use laboratory/studio/workshop facilities but do not take GST courses are expected to pay ₦95,000 as the first instalment and ₦35,000 as the second. Meanwhile, returning students who use laboratory/studio/workshop facilities and offer GST courses will make an initial payment of ₦100,000 and a second instalment of ₦35,000.
New students who do not use laboratory/studio/workshop facilities but take GST courses will pay ₦130,000 as the first instalment and ₦10,000 as the second.
Lastly, students planning to use laboratory/studio/workshop facilities and take GST courses will make an initial payment of ₦130,000 and a second instalment of ₦35,000.
UNIJOS has extended the registration deadline by two weeks, with the new deadline set for October 8, 2023. These measures aim to make education more accessible and affordable for all students at the university.
