Students Protest Prohibitive Registration, Admission Fees at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

Students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education have staged a peaceful protest over what they described as exorbitant admission and registration charges, calling on the university management and relevant authorities to urgently review the fees.
The students, drawn from different faculties, marched through major campus routes with placards bearing messages such as “Education Is Not For the Rich” and “Reduce School Fees Now”, demanding affordability and transparency in the institution’s fee structure.
According to the protesters, the rising cost of admission and registration has placed severe financial pressure on students from low-income backgrounds, with many struggling to complete mandatory clearance processes.
A breakdown of the charges provided by affected students shows the financial burden they face:
Acceptance fee: ₦50,300; Portal access fee: ₦6,300; Jacket files: ₦2,300; Faculty/Departmental fees: ₦20,300; Clearance fee: ₦130,500; Screening fee: ₦7,000; and Bank charges: ₦300 per transaction.
Students also alleged that after settling these fees, additional payments of up to ₦20,000 or more are demanded during physical clearance for stamping and documentation.
Speaking during the protest, the Students’ Union President, Comrade Chinedu Okorie, appealed to the Rivers State Government and other stakeholders to intervene, warning that the situation could increase dropout rates and deny many qualified students access to education.
Responding, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Ngozi Akarolo, said management was aware of the complaints and was engaging relevant authorities to address the concerns in the best interest of both the students and the institution. She urged students to remain calm while consultations were ongoing and assured that no disciplinary action would be taken against those who protested peacefully.
As of press time, academic activities were partially disrupted, while security operatives were deployed on campus to maintain peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Rivers State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Students have continued to appeal for urgent intervention, insisting that education should remain a right and not a privilege.