Rep. Ugbor opposes proposed BSU Tuition Hike, calls for overhaul of Benue Higher Education System

The lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed hike in tuition fees at Benue State University (BSU), warning that such a move could provoke student unrest.

Ugbor, who previously chaired the Ad-hoc Committee on Student Loans and Access to Higher Education, made the remarks through a statement by his media aide, Fred Dagu.

He stressed the need for urgent reforms in the state’s higher education sector, highlighting the financial pressure on students and their families amid the prevailing economic hardship and insecurity across the country.

The federal lawmaker urged the Benue State Government to introduce a student loan scheme tailored to support indigent students, to complement the federal Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative. He advised the authorities of BSU to reconsider the tuition increment proposal in order to ease the financial strain on students.

Ugbor also raised concerns about the lack of clear policies promoting academic excellence in the state, citing the inactivity of the Benue State Scholarship Board and the absence of incentives for high-performing students or support for postgraduate studies.

He called on the government to revive the scholarship board and implement education-friendly policies that would make learning more accessible and attractive to young people.

Describing education as a catalyst for development, Ugbor reiterated the importance of prioritizing affordable and inclusive higher education to drive societal progress.