During a recent ceremony for the swearing-in of governing councils for higher education institutions, state-owned enterprises, and pilgrimage boards at the Government House in Gombe, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya addressed the recent 120% hike in tuition fees at Gombe State University (GSU).
He emphasized that the increase is essential for the university’s development and enhancement of educational standards.
Governor Yahaya urged parents and guardians to support the university, pointing out that GSU’s tuition fees remain lower than those of neighboring states such as Borno, Adamawa, and Bauchi. He highlighted GSU’s significant role in complementing the federal government’s educational efforts and stressed the costly nature of tertiary education, which necessitates substantial investment.
“We prioritize basic and secondary education,” Yahaya remarked. “Gombe State University plays a crucial role in bolstering the initiatives of the Federal Government. The responsibility for education lies with state and local governments, covering basic and essential services like healthcare and social welfare.”
The governor noted that the tuition increase resulted in part from requests by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions seeking better funding. While acknowledging the improved allocation to GSU, he admitted it still does not meet the institution’s comprehensive financial needs, urging the university to identify additional funding sources to sustain its quality.
Yahaya also encouraged students, particularly those from low-income families, to take advantage of the federal government’s student loan program, describing it as a beneficial solution for accessing education.
“I understand the students’ concerns regarding the fee increase, yet the demands from ASUU and other unions for greater funding led us to double GSU’s allocation,” he stated. “Currently, no other university in the Northeast receives as much funding as Gombe State University.”
He added that it’s vital for the university to seek out internal revenue to maintain high standards and remain competitive. “The Federal Government, while overseeing most tertiary institutions, has not provided sufficient support. Students should consider the loan opportunities available to them to help fund their education.”
Rep. Aishatu Jibrin, chairperson of the College of Legal Studies in Nafada, expressed the commitment of the newly inaugurated boards to foster the advancement of their respective institutions.
