Outrage as Students Decry Sharp Increase in School Fees at Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara Amid Soaring Economic Hardship
Students of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, have raised their voices in protest against what they describe as a drastic and unbearable increase in school fees and service charges, calling on school authorities and the Delta State Government to urgently review the new policy. The development has sparked outrage across campus and social media, with many students saying the increment comes at a time when families are struggling to make ends meet amid Nigeria’s worsening economic situation.
According to students, the new fee structure reflects a steep rise in tuition and service charges, with some departments reportedly paying almost double the amount previously charged. For many, this sudden adjustment has brought fear and confusion, especially among indigent students who depend on part-time jobs or parental support that has already been stretched thin by inflation and the high cost of living.
“I don’t understand how they expect us to survive this,” said a second-year student from the School of Business Studies. “Most of us are already battling with rent, feeding, and transportation costs. Now they have added another heavy burden on top of everything else. It’s unfair and inconsiderate.”
Several students claim that the service charges alone have seen an unprecedented rise, describing them as “outrageously high” and lacking in transparency. They questioned what the additional fees are meant to cover, insisting that the school management should publish a detailed breakdown of how these funds will be utilized.
“This is not just about school fees — it’s about accountability,” lamented another student from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology. “We have the right to know what we are paying for. The management needs to remember that education is not a privilege; it’s a right, and it should not be priced out of reach for ordinary Nigerians.”
Parents and guardians have also expressed concern, noting that the hike could force many students to drop out. With the naira losing value and basic commodities becoming increasingly unaffordable, the timing of this fee increment, they say, could not be worse. Many have urged the Delta State Government to intervene immediately before the situation escalates further.
“This is a state-owned institution, not a private university,” remarked one parent. “The whole point of a polytechnic like Oghara is to make technical and vocational education accessible. If the fees keep increasing like this, what happens to the children of market women and artisans?”
Student leaders are now calling for dialogue between the school authorities, the Students’ Union Government (SUG), and representatives of the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education to address the issue. They are demanding that the management review and reduce the new charges, taking into consideration the severe economic conditions across the country.
Nigeria’s youth, already grappling with high unemployment and limited opportunities, see education as their only path to a better future. However, with rising school fees across several institutions, many fear that the dream of higher education is slowly slipping out of reach for the average student.
As students continue to voice their grievances both on campus and online, the call remains clear: “Reduce the fees, show compassion, and give us a fair chance to learn.” The management of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, is yet to issue an official statement addressing the growing outcry, but tension continues to mount as students demand urgent action.
