01/06/2025
A Promise Broken: Kano State’s Tuition Hike at Northwest University Kano.
By: Mukhtar Kabir Maitama
[email protected]
In August 2023, the Kano State Government, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, announced a 50% reduction in tuition fees for indigenes studying at state owned tertiary institutions. It was a move hailed as progressive and timely, especially in light of Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and increased cost of living. The announcement offered a sense of relief and hope to thousands of families struggling to afford higher education.
However, less than a year later, students at Northwest University Kano have returned to a starkly different reality: increased tuition fees even higher than what they paid before the so called 50% reduction. This shift is not only disappointing but also deeply dishonest. It contradicts the very foundation of the policy and betrays the trust of students and parents who believed the government’s promise of relief.
From Promise to Deceit
At the time of the fee reduction announcement, state officials proudly shared figures showing lower fees across institutions, presenting themselves as champions of accessible education. The Commissioner for Higher Education emphasized that the policy was a direct response to economic hardship, aiming to ease the financial burden on students.
Yet, the increase in tuition at Northwest University Kano tells a different story. Students who expected reduced fees are now paying more than ever, with no explanation or justification from the government. This isn’t just a policy failure it’s a breach of public trust.
No Transparency, No Accountability
What’s worse than the fee hike is the government’s silence. There has been no official statement explaining the increase, no clarification on whether the policy was revised, suspended, or limited in scope. The lack of transparency has left students confused and angry. Was the 50% reduction ever intended to be implemented at all, or was it simply a political stunt?
The inconsistency in implementation across institutions further raises questions about coordination and planning. If the policy was genuine, why weren’t all institutions including Northwest University Kano held to the same standard?
Real World Consequences
The impact of the tuition hike is real and damaging. Students who planned their academic future around the promised reduction are now at risk of deferring or dropping out. Families that budgeted based on the government’s word are now scrambling to cope with sudden financial demands.
Kano is already grappling with one of the highest numbers of out of school children in Nigeria. This fee increase, especially without warning or explanation, will only worsen the situation. It undermines efforts to build a more educated, equitable, and prosperous society.
A Call to Action
The Kano State Government must be held accountable for this reversal. It cannot claim to prioritize education while quietly increasing tuition and ignoring the public’s concerns. To begin rebuilding trust and credibility, the government should:
Immediately reverse the tuition hike at Northwest University Kano; Provide a clear explanation for the current fee structure and policy deviation.
Ensure consistent application of the 50% reduction across all institutions; Engage students, parents, and stakeholders to prevent further confusion and hardship.
The Kano State Government’s broken promise of fee reduction has turned into a burden for the very students it vowed to support. The increase in tuition at Northwest University Kano is not just a policy misstep it’s a betrayal that highlights a dangerous gap between government rhetoric and reality. If this administration is truly committed to education and social equity, it must act now clearly, consistently, and honestly. Anything less is a disservice to the youth of Kano and a stain on the government’s credibility.
