TheCable

Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Thursday directed the authorities of Kwara State University, Malete, to suspend the payment of departmental levies and refund those who had initially paid.

The governor, who emulated his counterparts in Lagos and Ogun states, said the decision is targeted at reducing the economic hardship on parents.

Last week, Lagos reverted the tuition fee of the Lagos State University (LASU) to the old rate after about three years.

Ogun also recently announced a slash in the fees of all state-owned tertiary institutions.

In a statement signed by Dr. Muyideen Akorede, senior special assistant to the governor on media and communication, the governor urged university authorities to always give adequate notice before introducing fees, adding that he will continue to promote policies that will make education affordable.

“The Governor said the University authorities have been directed to provide adequate notice and convenient installments options when introducing fees and levies as this will make it easier for students, parents and guardians to pay,” the statement read.

“As a responsive leader he decided to cancel the departmental levies following complaints by students and their families and in view of the prevailing economic situation in the country.

“Stressing that he remains committed to expanding access to all levels of education, Governor Ahmed pointed out that the reduction of fees at the University in 2012 was to reduce the burden placed on parents by their children’s tertiary education.

“Alhaji Ahmed admitted that tertiary education especially in specialized and science courses is expensive all over the world but stressed that he will continue to work hard to find innovative ways of making education more affordable for all.”