A growing outcry is mounting against what many have described as one of the most exploitative practices in Nigeria’s education system — the so-called “acceptance fee” charged by universities.
Dr. Adebayo Lucas Oluwaseun, a medical doctor and education advocate, has called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education, and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to urgently abolish the controversial levy, describing it as “fraud, extortion, and legalized admission racketeering.”
According to him, students who have labored to secure admission on merit are being forced to pay between ₦50,000 and ₦150,000 simply for the “privilege” of being accepted into a course. “This fee never existed in the past. Our parents and older siblings entered universities by paying only tuition and legitimate charges. Now, universities are extorting families under the guise of acceptance,” he said.
He lamented that the practice is worsening the plight of parents and students already battling economic hardship, adding that many brilliant sons and daughters of farmers, traders, drivers, and artisans have been denied education because they could not afford the fee. “How can a country struggling with poverty and unemployment allow its universities to further punish parents and frustrate students who only want an education?” he asked.
Dr. Oluwaseun questioned the lack of accountability surrounding the funds generated through acceptance fees. “Where does this money go? Who is benefiting from this extortion? Why is government silent?” he queried, stressing that if universities require additional funding, they should incorporate it transparently into tuition where it can be properly accounted for.
He further demanded the immediate abolition of acceptance fees across all Nigerian universities, a full investigation into monies already collected under the practice, and sanctions against institutions that continue to exploit students and parents.
“Education is a right, not a privilege for the wealthy. A nation that robs its youth of affordable education is a nation preparing its own destruction,” he warned.
Calling on students, parents, and civil society groups to speak up against the exploitation, he declared: “Enough is enough. The fraudulent acceptance fee must end now.”