By Erewunmi Peace

A civil society organization, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has strongly condemned the reported hike in school fees in Osun-owned tertiary institutions, describing it as unreasonable and anti-student.

The group raised concerns after reports emerged that tuition fees at Osun State University (UNIOSUN) could rise to as high as ₦1.3 million for some programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session — particularly Medicine & Surgery, which is reportedly set at ₦1,335,000, while Law may rise to about ₦930,000.

Speaking during its monthly media briefing in Osogbo, the Executive Director of TOM, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, said the increment will worsen hardship for students and their families in the state.

“We call on the state government to intervene immediately. Education must not become a luxury only the rich can afford,”
he said.

The group urged Governor Adeleke to engage the management of state-owned institutions to review the fees in line with the economic realities of the people.

While some believe the increment could help universities improve infrastructure, many students fear they may drop out if the new fees are enforced.

A UNIOSUN student who asked not to be named said:

“My parents can’t afford ₦1.3 million. If this stands, I may defer my admission.”

As of press time, the university management had not issued a full official statement clarifying the fee changes, though reports indicate that the reviewed fees are already being circulated among prospective students.

Education stakeholders are urging government intervention to avoid mass withdrawal of students from the institutions.

UNIOSUN previously charged far lower tuition, with many programmes below ₦200,000. The sudden sharp increase has triggered debates on whether state-owned universities should prioritize public affordability over internal revenue generation.

The Osun Masterminds say they will continue to advocate until the government responds and a more friendly fee structure is adopted.