TheCable

The management of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has addressed the criticisms trailing the decision of the institution to increase its registration fees for students.

The varsity recently increased its central registration fees as well administrative and hostel maintenance charges for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The development, however, did not sit well with many students of the institution.

Addressing the issue at a media session on Sunday, Sagir Adamu-Abbas, the vice-chancellor of the institution, said the increment became imperative due to current economic realities in the country.

Adamu-Abbas said the cost of running the institution is very expensive. He revealed that the varsity spends an estimated N75 million monthly on electricity alone.

“The management was forced to increase the registration because it was practically impossible to provide social services to a student population of around 45,000, including a postgraduate and staff population of over 5,000, teaching and non-teaching,” he said.

“The increment was done in full consultation with staff unions including members of Academic Staff Union of Universities among others and students. The university also introduced welfare packages for their staff such as non-interest loans from microfinance banks payable within six months.”

The VC said the institution has introduced welfare packages for staff and students of the institution to enable them to cope with the effect of fuel subsidy removal in the country.

“Other incentives introduced to cushion the effect of the increase in fuel price that has caused the high price of commodities, were provision foodstuffs, shuttle buses, bicycle loans for junior staff payable within nine months at a cheaper rate,” he said.