PAAU Denies Fee Hike as Nursing Students Report ₦180,000 Increase

Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has denied increasing school fees after some nursing students reported that their charges rose from ₦300,000 to ₦480,000.

The university said it had adopted a uniform fee structure approved by the Kogi State Government for the state’s three publicly owned universities.

The clarification followed complaints that emerged on Monday, October 19, 2026, when affected students reportedly accessed the payment portal and discovered the charges.

The figures cited by the students represent a difference of ₦180,000, equivalent to 60 per cent of the previous ₦300,000 payment.

Management explains uniform fee structure

In a statement, the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Uredo Omale, said the institution’s action followed state government approval.

“Management wishes to clarify that the University has not increased school fees; rather, it has adopted a uniform fee structure for the three state-owned universities in Kogi State, in line with the approval of the State Government,” the statement said.

The management urged anyone seeking clarification to compare the approved fees for corresponding departments and programmes at the other two state-owned universities.

Students raise affordability concerns

Some nursing students expressed concern about the financial implications of the reported charges, particularly for families relying on parents and guardians to fund their education.

The distinction between the university’s explanation and the students’ complaints centres on the amount payable. Management describes the policy as harmonisation, while the affected students say the sum displayed on the portal exceeds what they paid in the previous session.

A breakdown of the applicable charges would help students understand what the ₦480,000 covers and how the approved structure applies to their programme and level of study.

The concerns come alongside wider discussions about support for students, including the Kogi State Government’s bursary payments to eligible students.

University directs students to official channels

PAAU urged students, parents, guardians and other stakeholders to verify information through its official communication channels before circulating reports on social media.

The institution reiterated its commitment to responsible communication and asked members of the university community to seek accurate information directly from management.

The clarification comes as Kogi continues investments in higher education, including teaching hospital facilities and accommodation for medical students at CUSTECH.