The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the recent increase in registration charges at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, warning that the new fees could place additional pressure on Nigerian families.
The university approved a revised fee structure for the 2026/2027 academic session, with undergraduate registration charges now ranging from ₦143,000 to ₦298,000, depending on the programme and level of study. The previous charges were reportedly between about ₦62,000 and ₦84,000.
The development has generated concern among students and parents, particularly over the significant increase in charges for some programmes.
For instance, 100-level Medicine and Surgery students will now pay ₦242,000, compared with ₦82,000 previously. Nursing students will pay ₦212,000, while Law students will pay ₦182,000. Students in major Engineering programmes, including Civil, Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, will pay ₦172,000 at 100 level.
Reacting to the increase, the NDC, in a statement published on its verified X account on Thursday, October 8, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening economic hardship for working-class families.
The party argued that many parents who depend on federal universities to educate their children would struggle to meet the new charges.
The NDC said the take-home pay of many working-class Nigerians could barely cover their basic needs, let alone accommodate the increased cost of university education.
The party also expressed sympathy with ABU students affected by the new charges and described the fee increase as a consequence of what it called the Tinubu administration’s “anti-people policies”.
However, the university’s revised charges were approved by its Governing Council at its 218th Special Meeting on September 29, following a Senate resolution and consultations with stakeholders.
The NDC used the development to renew its political appeal ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
The party also pledged that a government led by its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would prioritise education funding and improve the country’s university system.
Meanwhile, the ABU fee increase has continued to generate reactions from students and members of the public, with concerns centred on the affordability of higher education for low- and middle-income families.
