The management of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, has denied reports that it increased school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, explaining that three new levies introduced for students are intended to strengthen campus security, sustain academic accreditation and improve student welfare.
The university’s clarification followed concerns reportedly expressed by students on social media after the release of the new session’s fee schedule. The development sparked apprehension among students already grappling with the financial demands of university education.
In a statement signed by the university’s spokesperson, Elom Iyke Ubochi, the management maintained that the approved charges classified as “other charges” remained unchanged from the 2025/2026 academic session. However, it acknowledged the introduction of a security levy, an accreditation levy and a students’ life assurance levy.
The clarification, reported by The Sun, comes amid continuing debates over the affordability of higher education in Nigeria and the responsibility of public universities to provide safe learning environments without imposing excessive financial burdens on students and their families. <Cite refs={[“turn848459search0″,”turn848459search1”]}/>
University Explains Three Newly Introduced Levies
According to the university management, the new charges are designed to address specific institutional needs rather than represent an increase in existing school fees.
The first is a security levy intended to support the provision of round-the-clock professional security services on campus.
The second is an accreditation levy to help finance the assessment and maintenance of academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional bodies.
The third is a students’ life assurance levy, which the university says will provide insurance protection in cases involving death, accidents or permanent disability.
Although the management has distinguished these levies from the existing charges, their introduction means students may face additional financial obligations when paying for the new academic session.
Consequently, the practical concern for students and their families is not merely whether the university has increased an existing fee, but whether the total amount payable has risen and how much the additional charges will cost.
Security Levy: Responding to Campus Safety Concerns
The university explained that the security levy became necessary because of security challenges within and around the campus, including reported incidents of harassment of students at night.
According to the management, the Federal Government’s policy of outsourcing security services in federal institutions requires universities to engage licensed private security firms and provide funding for professional protection.
The institution said the levy would support security services operating around the clock to protect students and university property.
Campus safety is an important component of effective education. Students need to attend lectures, use libraries and return to their residences without undue fear of harassment or criminal attacks.
However, the introduction of a security charge also creates an obligation for the university to demonstrate that the funds are being used effectively.
Students should be able to understand the security arrangements being funded, the improvements expected and the measures available for reporting incidents. Regular communication about security performance could help strengthen confidence in the policy.
Accreditation Levy: Protecting Academic Standards
The second levy is intended to support the accreditation of the university’s academic programmes.
Accreditation exercises may involve the assessment of academic facilities, staffing, teaching resources, laboratories, libraries and other requirements prescribed by the relevant regulatory or professional bodies.
The university argued that accreditation is essential to maintaining recognised academic standards and ensuring that students can complete their programmes without avoidable disruptions arising from accreditation problems.
The management also noted that such exercises require substantial financial resources, including expenditure on logistics and facility improvements.
While accreditation is necessary for the credibility of university qualifications, students should not be left uncertain about the purpose and administration of the additional charge.
Transparent explanations of the levy, accompanied by appropriate financial accountability, would help students understand how the funds contribute to the quality and continuity of their education.
Life Assurance Levy Introduces Additional Student Protection
The third charge is a students’ life assurance levy, which the university described as a comprehensive insurance arrangement for its students.
According to the management, the proposed cover is intended to provide support in the event of death, accidents or permanent disability. The stated benefits include assistance with medical bills, burial expenses and death benefits for affected families.
If properly implemented, such an arrangement could offer students and their relatives an additional layer of financial protection during emergencies.
Nevertheless, the effectiveness of an insurance policy depends on its actual terms and conditions. Students should be informed about the insurance provider, the scope of coverage, eligibility requirements, benefit limits, exclusions and the procedure for making claims.
Clear communication on these issues would help ensure that students understand the protection being offered in exchange for the levy.
Management Says Students’ Union Was Consulted
The university management maintained that the decision to introduce the three levies was not taken unilaterally.
It said the charges followed deliberations and consultations with key stakeholders, including the leadership of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).
According to the statement, both management and student representatives made concessions in the interest of the institution’s sustainability and the welfare of students.
The university also appealed to students to remain calm, obey the law and continue their academic activities peacefully, adding that discussions with student leaders remained ongoing.
The involvement of student representatives is significant because university charges directly affect students’ financial planning and, in many cases, their ability to remain enrolled.
However, meaningful consultation requires more than announcing that discussions have taken place. Students should have access to clear information about the final agreement, the reasons behind the charges and any available arrangements for those facing financial hardship.
What the Clarification Means for Students and Parents
The controversy at AE-FUNAI highlights an important distinction in discussions about university fees: an institution may maintain its existing tuition and other charges while introducing new levies that increase the overall amount students must pay.
For parents and students, the total cost of attendance is what ultimately matters. Accommodation, transportation, learning materials, feeding and other educational expenses already place considerable demands on household finances.
Even when additional charges serve legitimate purposes, universities need to consider their cumulative effect on students from low-income households.
The management’s explanation provides the institution’s position on the new charges, but the amounts attached to the three levies and their precise effect on each student’s total bill are not specified in the report.
Students should therefore consult the university’s official fee schedule and relevant notices to establish the exact amount payable for their respective programmes and categories.
Balancing University Funding With Affordability
Public universities face competing responsibilities. They must maintain academic standards, protect students and staff, provide essential facilities and ensure that graduates receive qualifications recognised by the appropriate authorities.
These responsibilities require funding, but the introduction of additional charges must also be assessed against the financial circumstances of the students expected to pay them.
Where new levies are necessary, transparent budgeting, proper consultation and clear explanations of the benefits can help reduce misunderstandings and strengthen public confidence.
Universities may also consider appropriate instalment arrangements, hardship support or other lawful measures that can prevent additional charges from becoming barriers to education.
For AE-FUNAI, the challenge is to demonstrate that the new levies deliver measurable improvements in campus security, accreditation readiness and student protection.
Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, has rejected claims that it increased existing school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, attributing the controversy to three newly introduced levies for security, accreditation and life assurance.
While the university has presented reasons for the additional charges, students and parents will need clear information about their costs, implementation and benefits to assess their overall impact.
Ultimately, the success of the policy will depend on whether the levies improve students’ safety, protect academic standards and provide meaningful welfare benefits without unnecessarily restricting access to higher education.
The university’s continuing engagement with student representatives, alongside transparent financial information, could help resolve the concerns and ensure that institutional needs and students’ welfare remain central to the discussion.
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