In a significant development that brings relief to many students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), the Students’ Union Government (SUG) has confirmed that the university management has reviewed the recently announced school fees increase after several rounds of negotiation and intervention by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The update was contained in an official press release issued on Wednesday, October 16, 2025, by the Office of the Public Relations Officer of the FUTMINNA SUG, detailing the outcome of the union’s closed-door engagement with the university authorities and representatives of NANS Zone “C” (North Central). The meeting, which held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, brought together the university management, members of the Central Executive Council (CEC), and representatives of the Students’ Representative Assembly (SRA).
Students’ Union’s Strong Stand Yields Positive Results
According to the SUG statement, the meeting was convened in response to the collective outcry of the student body and the firm opposition expressed by the Students’ Union against the earlier school fees increment announced by the management. The union noted that it stood its ground in rejecting the hike and insisted that any review must consider the financial realities of students and their families.
Following intense deliberations and constructive dialogue, the management finally decided to review the school fees downward, marking a partial victory for the student body. The union confirmed that the review decision was reached after “mutual understanding, rational advocacy, and intervention from the leadership of NANS.”
The SUG leadership — led by Comr. Sen. Adaidu Ezekiel Machofo (Calicelsius) — emphasized that their position during the negotiation was driven by the need to safeguard students’ welfare and ensure fairness in university financial policies.
Why FUTMINNA Initially Increased Fees
The management explained that the earlier increment was based on a harmonized template developed by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education. This template was reportedly designed to apply uniformly across all federal tertiary institutions in the country.
However, the SUG expressed concern that while the policy was a national directive, it failed to reflect the unique economic realities of students at FUTMINNA and similar institutions. The leadership of the Students’ Union, supported by NANS, therefore pushed for a reconsideration that would result in a more humane and balanced approach.
The statement read in part:
“According to the Management, the increment was based on a harmonized template proposed by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education, intended to apply uniformly across all federal institutions. Despite this directive, both the Students’ Union and NANS pressed forward with demands for a more considerate adjustment that reflects the realities of our students.”
Students to Feel Relief Soon
Although the new downward review has been implemented, the SUG clarified that it may not yet represent the full expectations of the student body. Nonetheless, it is viewed as a major step toward easing the burden on students, especially amid the harsh economic conditions faced by many Nigerian families.
The union stressed that the latest review was a compromise solution, balancing the university’s operational needs with students’ financial struggles. While the exact figures of the reviewed fees were not disclosed in the press statement, the SUG assured that the revised structure would be made public once all internal documentation processes are completed.
In the spirit of transparency, the union reaffirmed its commitment to continuous dialogue and peaceful engagement with the management to ensure that students’ interests remain protected.
NANS Intervention and Call for Student Loan Access
The press release also acknowledged the active role played by NANS Zone “C” leadership in mediating between the university and the students. Their intervention was instrumental in softening the university’s position and facilitating a more student-friendly outcome.
Additionally, the FUTMINNA SUG echoed NANS’ call urging all eligible students who have not yet applied for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme to do so. The union described the loan initiative as a viable financial support mechanism for students struggling to meet their tuition obligations.
However, the statement also pointed out that the loan scheme is still facing implementation challenges, which must be resolved for it to have meaningful impact. The union appealed to the relevant authorities to expedite the process and make the fund more accessible to students across all tertiary institutions.
Union Reaffirms Its Commitment to Students’ Welfare
Reiterating its unwavering commitment to advocating for fairness, transparency, and accountability, the FUTMINNA Students’ Union pledged to maintain open communication channels with both the university management and the student populace.
The statement was jointly signed by:
- Comr. Arowosogbe Daniel Precious, Secretary General
- Comr. Sen. Adaidu Ezekiel Machofo (Calicelsius), President
- Comr. Nurudeen Muhammad Liman (De-Prof), Public Relations Officer
They assured the entire FUTMINNA community that subsequent updates will be shared as more resolutions emerge from ongoing engagements.
A Victory for Collective Student Action
The press release ended with an optimistic tone, urging students to remain united and resilient as the union continues to push for better welfare conditions. It read:
“In the spirit of constructive engagement, we echo the advice from NANS leadership that students who are eligible and have not yet applied for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are encouraged to take advantage of the scheme. We remain committed to advocating for fairness, transparency, and student-centered policies.”
The SUG also rallied students under the slogan:
“Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta! Together in struggle, together in strength — we will rise through this.”
Conclusion
The review of FUTMINNA’s school fees marks a crucial turning point in the ongoing conversation about affordability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. The intervention by the Students’ Union and NANS underscores the power of collective student advocacy in influencing educational policy and ensuring that financial decisions align with students’ realities.
While challenges remain, this development offers hope to thousands of FUTMINNA students who had feared being unable to continue their studies due to the initial fee hike. The Students’ Union’s proactive engagement and persistence have once again reaffirmed its position as a credible voice for student welfare and justice within the institution.
