The Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the Abia State University, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the Management of the Abia State University to immediately cancel the increase in school fees announced by it on Monday.
The governor stated that the increase, which is over 350%, is unacceptable to the state government, especially in view of the current economic realities in the country.
The governor, while acknowledging that it is becoming increasingly challenging for the university to play its role under the current fiscal regime, however added that the university management must understand clearly that it must ensure that children of the poor in the state are given the opportunity to access tertiary education.
Governor Ikpeazu further directed the university management to engage with all relevant stakeholders in the university community and have robust discussions before contemplating any hike in fees.