Kogi Assembly orders PAAU and state polytechnic to reverse fee hikes

The Kogi State House of Assembly has instructed the managements of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, and Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, to halt the recent fee increases and return to the previous rates. The motion followed a petition from Majority Leader Dr Suleiman Abdulrasaq, representing Okene Town State Constituency, who said the hikes sparked complaints from parents and students because they were introduced without adequate consultation.

Speaker Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf noted that the institutions have legal authority to set fees, but argued the increases do not serve the state’s citizens given the current economic climate. The Assembly resolved that the Commissioner for Education and the two management teams must appear before it to explain the rationale for the hikes.

Lawmakers including Hon Mekudi Idrees, Hon Abu Onoruoza and Hon Bin Ebaya Shehu Tijani warned that the higher fees could strain families and limit access to affordable education. They urged policies that reflect families’ economic realities and protect students from financial barriers to higher learning.