By Our reporter
Parents and guardians of students at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in Ondo State have raised alarm over a recent increase in tuition fees, which now requires some students to pay as much as ₦2.6 million per academic session.
The development has sparked widespread concern among families, many of whom say the new fee structure is unaffordable and threatens to derail the educational aspirations of their children. The revised fees reportedly affect students in clinical programmes such as Medicine, Dentistry, and other health-related courses.
Speaking during a peaceful protest in Ondo town, several parents expressed deep frustration over what they described as an unfair and overwhelming financial burden, especially considering the current economic hardship in the country.
One parent, Mr. Adeyemi Akinola, said he was shocked to discover that his daughter’s tuition had more than doubled. He explained that he paid just over ₦1.2 million in the previous academic session, but is now expected to pay ₦2.6 million, excluding accommodation and other mandatory levies.
He described the move as inconsiderate and questioned how ordinary Nigerians were expected to cope with such sudden increases. He added that if the policy is not reversed or reviewed, many students may be forced to drop out of the institution.
Another parent, Mrs. Olubunmi Ajayi, called on the Ondo State Government to intervene. She warned that the sharp hike in fees could have long-term consequences on access to medical education, especially for students from middle- and low-income families.
She said that while parents understand the rising cost of maintaining a university, especially in specialized fields like medicine, any increment in tuition should be gradual and supported by clear communication and flexible payment options.
Some students, particularly those in their clinical years, have also expressed concern that they may not be able to complete their studies due to the new fees. Several students noted that the hike comes at a time when many families are already struggling with inflation, job losses, and the high cost of living.
In response to the public outcry, the management of UNIMED defended the increase. A senior official from the institution, who spoke anonymously, said that medical education is capital intensive and that the university must raise sufficient funds to maintain academic standards.
The official explained that clinical training, laboratory equipment, teaching hospitals, and experienced medical faculty all require substantial investment. According to the university, the revised fees are necessary to keep up with operational costs and ensure students receive quality training.
Despite this explanation, many parents insist that the university’s justification does not take into account the economic realities of the average Nigerian. Civil society groups and education advocates have joined the call for government intervention, suggesting that public universities should be supported through increased funding rather than shifting the burden onto families.
They argue that without financial support from the state, access to medical education could become exclusive to the wealthy, further widening inequality and reducing the number of trained professionals available to support Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.
As of the time of this report, the Ondo State Government had not issued a formal statement regarding the protests. However, parents and stakeholders are urging the authorities to step in, either by reviewing the new fee structure or offering financial aid schemes to help affected students continue their education without interruption.
