LAUTECH, Hikes Tuition Fees: New Students to Pay Up to ₦782,000 Per Session

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has announced a significant increase in tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic session, with fresh students now required to pay between ₦372,000 and ₦782,000, depending on their faculty and state of origin.

This development was disclosed in a document released by the institution’s management on Saturday. A Facebook user who shared the document highlighted the increment, noting: *”LAUTECH increases tuition fees for 2024/2025 fresh students, ranging from ₦372,000 to ₦782,000, depending on faculties and state of origin.”*

A current student of the university confirmed the hike, explaining that fees in the 2023/2024 session ranged from ₦261,000 to ₦283,000. “Our fees last session were between ₦261,000 and ₦283,000. However, the new fees have been fixed between ₦372,000 and ₦782,000. Medical students are now required to pay ₦782,000,” the student stated.

This sharp increase has sparked reactions, especially in light of the Oyo State Government’s earlier commitment to making education more affordable. In 2021, Governor Seyi Makinde announced a 25% reduction in tuition fees across the board, citing LAUTECH’s fees as the lowest among South-West universities at the time.

During his visit to the university in 2021, Governor Makinde assured students:

*”There will be a 25% reduction in fees for all students—whether indigenes or non-indigenes, including new students. This reduction cuts across the board. I have fulfilled the promises I made during my campaign, including securing sole ownership of LAUTECH for Oyo State and fixing the Under G Road.”*

The recent increment marks a significant departure from the governor’s earlier pledge and has raised concerns among students and parents about the affordability of higher education in the state.