In a major development aimed at easing the financial burden on students, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has officially activated a flexible 60/40 school fees payment plan for the 2025 academic session. The new arrangement allows students to pay 60 percent of their tuition fees in the first semester and 40 percent in the second semester, marking a significant victory for student welfare and financial inclusivity.
The announcement, which came through the Students’ Union Government (SUG), was greeted with excitement across the campus community. The union described the approval as a direct result of persistent advocacy and dialogue with the university management — an achievement that will go a long way in cushioning the economic challenges currently facing many Nigerian students and their families.
Background: Students’ Demand for Flexibility Finally Heard
For several months, FUNAAB students had been appealing to the school management for a more flexible tuition payment structure. The demand was driven by the rising cost of living, inflation, and the general economic hardship affecting families across the country.
Prior to this development, students were required to pay their full school fees before gaining access to essential academic activities such as course registration, lectures, and examinations. This policy posed significant challenges for many, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who struggled to pay in bulk.
The SUG leadership had repeatedly engaged the university’s administration to reconsider this approach, proposing a two-phase payment structure that would still guarantee the institution’s financial stability while making education more accessible.
The New 60/40 School Fees Payment Structure
Under the newly approved arrangement:
- Students are now permitted to pay 60% of their total school fees at the beginning of the first semester.
- The remaining 40% balance can then be settled during the second semester before examinations or as directed by the management.
- The school’s online student portal has been updated to reflect this option, allowing students to make payments conveniently under the new model.
- The arrangement applies to all categories of students, including both returning and fresh undergraduates.
This system is designed to make payment easier, reduce financial strain at the start of the semester, and ensure that no student is unfairly deprived of academic participation due to immediate financial constraints.
Students React with Joy and Appreciation
The announcement triggered an outpouring of appreciation from students, many of whom described the initiative as a timely intervention. Some hailed the Students’ Union for its proactive leadership, while others thanked the school management for being considerate and responsive.
Students expressed hope that the policy would not only be sustained but could serve as a model for other federal universities across Nigeria facing similar financial struggles among their student population.
In interviews with various campus correspondents, many undergraduates shared stories of how they often had to borrow or delay registration due to inability to pay full fees at once. The 60/40 model, they said, offers breathing space and helps families plan better for academic expenses.
What This Means for FUNAAB and the Education Sector
The move by FUNAAB demonstrates a growing recognition among Nigerian universities that flexible tuition policies can support better academic outcomes and reduce dropout rates. When students are less financially stressed, they are more likely to remain focused and productive in their studies.
This initiative also reinforces the importance of constructive dialogue between students and school management, proving that positive results can emerge when both sides engage in mutual respect and understanding.
Economists and education analysts have also commended the step, noting that progressive payment systems can help sustain enrollment levels and improve retention rates in public institutions, especially in an era of economic uncertainty.
Key Benefits of the 60/40 School Fees Payment Plan
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Financial Relief | Students no longer have to pay the full amount upfront, reducing financial pressure at the start of each session. |
| Increased Access | More students can afford to register on time and participate in academic activities. |
| Reduced Dropout Rates | Students who previously deferred due to lack of funds can now remain enrolled. |
| Encouragement for Academic Focus | Financial flexibility allows students to focus more on academics rather than financial struggles. |
| Improved Relationship Between SUG and Management | The success highlights effective student representation and institutional cooperation. |
Important Information for Students
FUNAAB students are advised to log in to their official university portal to verify their updated fee status and make payments accordingly. Those who have already made partial payments under the old system can also check for balance adjustments or clarifications from the bursary department.
The university management is expected to release further details on specific deadlines for the remaining 40% balance in due course. Students are encouraged to adhere to all instructions and maintain transparency in their financial records.
A Progressive Step Worth Commending
FUNAAB’s approval of the 60/40 payment system stands as a bold and commendable decision, particularly at a time when many higher institutions are facing financial and administrative constraints. By putting the welfare of students first, the university has demonstrated leadership, empathy, and foresight.
Observers believe that this move could influence other federal and state universities to review their own tuition payment policies, fostering a more inclusive and flexible academic environment nationwide.
