The Hidden Cost Of Being A Student In Nigeria: Beyond Tuition Fees

Published

2 weeks ago

July 31, 2026

By Oluchi Igboma

While school fees remain the most visible cost of higher education in Nigeria, students say the financial burden of pursuing a university degree extends far beyond tuition, with accommodation, feeding, transportation, academic materials and healthcare placing increasing pressure on undergraduates.

For many students across Nigerian universities, the pursuit of higher education has become a daily struggle for survival as rising living costs continue to stretch limited financial resources. Students often find themselves choosing between attending lectures, eating balanced meals, purchasing textbooks or paying transport fares.

Accommodation remains one of the biggest hidden expenses. Although many universities provide hostels, available spaces are insufficient to meet demand, forcing students to rent accommodation off campus. In addition to annual rent, landlords often require agency fees, legal fees, caution fees and service charges, significantly increasing the total cost of securing housing.

Many students also live in overcrowded apartments or in environments with inadequate electricity, water supply and security. According to the report, some students now pay as much as ₦850,000 annually for a single bedsitter apartment.

The rising cost of food has further worsened students’ financial challenges. Many undergraduates now skip meals, survive on inexpensive snacks or rely on instant noodles because they cannot afford balanced diets. While such sacrifices may reduce daily expenses, they often affect students’ health, concentration and academic performance.

Transportation has also become a growing concern, particularly for students living off campus. Frequent increases in fuel prices have pushed transport fares higher, making daily commuting to lectures increasingly expensive. As a result, some students occasionally miss classes simply because they cannot afford transportation.

Academic-related expenses also contribute significantly to the cost of university education. Beyond tuition, students spend money on handouts, textbooks, internet subscriptions, assignment printing, photocopying and materials required for practical courses, many of which are not covered by official school fees.

Beyond financial expenses, many students experience emotional and psychological stress arising from economic hardship. Constant anxiety over money, uncertainty about future expenses and the pressure of supporting themselves have contributed to mental health challenges among many undergraduates.

Some students avoid discussing financial difficulties with their parents because they understand the sacrifices their families are already making, while others take part-time jobs that leave them physically exhausted and reduce the time available for studying.

Students also face increasing social pressure to maintain fashionable lifestyles, own expensive gadgets and remain active on social media. Those unable to meet such expectations sometimes experience low self-esteem, while others resort to borrowing money or engaging in unhealthy activities to fit in.

Healthcare represents another hidden financial burden. Students frequently spend money on medical consultations, laboratory tests and medications, particularly when campus health centres cannot provide adequate treatment or essential drugs.

Professional and practical courses often attract additional expenses, including industrial training, fieldwork, research, project materials, transportation and accommodation, placing even greater financial pressure on students and their families.

Speaking on the issue, Fadipe Ifeoluwa Japhet, a 200-level Journalism and Media Studies student, described university life as financially demanding.

“Since I gained admission into the university, it hasn’t been easy for me. Sometimes it’s financial instability, while other times it’s not even knowing where my next meal will come from,” he said.

He explained that the cost of accommodation alone has become overwhelming.

“My annual rent is ₦850,000 for just a bedsitter. If I add my school fees and house rent, excluding feeding, transportation and other expenses, I spend more than ₦1 million in a year. I only pray that God who started this journey with me will see me through,” he said.

Despite these challenges, many Nigerian students continue to demonstrate resilience by combining academics with legitimate income-generating activities such as fashion design, photography, tutoring, baking, graphic design, freelancing and other small businesses to support their education.

The report recommends greater investment in public education through improved infrastructure, expanded hostel accommodation, affordable campus transportation and increased scholarship opportunities. It also encourages universities, private organisations, alumni associations and non-governmental organisations to provide additional financial support for students through grants, bursaries and mentorship programmes.

Students are equally encouraged to practise prudent financial management by budgeting carefully, avoiding unnecessary expenses and seeking legitimate sources of income.

As the cost of living continues to rise, many observers believe that addressing the hidden costs of higher education remains essential to ensuring that Nigerian students can pursue their education without facing overwhelming financial and emotional hardship.

Oluchi Igboma is a 200-level Journalism student at Delta State University, Abraka. She is passionate about writing, creativity, and informing the public through compelling and impactful stories.

Related Topics:ABRAKA DELSU EDUCATION VIEWPOINT

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Education

DELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig

Published

23 hours ago

August 14, 2026

Media Conversation

By Chidinma Okeibunor

A 300-level student of the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was on Wednesday apprehended after she was allegedly caught with seven stolen mobile phones and a wig while writing a carryover course in the Faculty of Arts.

The incident occurred during the ongoing 2025/2026 second semester examinations at the university’s Faculty of Arts, when the student, whose name is yet to be officially released, was reportedly found in possession of the items.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, the exact details of how she was caught remain unclear. However, upon a search, seven phones and a wig were allegedly recovered from her.

“She came to write [a] carryover [course] and when she was caught; students immediately brought out their phones to record her,” the witness said.

Campus security and faculty officials were said to have been alerted immediately, and the suspect was taken in for questioning.

As of the time of filing this report, the university management was yet to release an official statement on the matter. Efforts to reach the Head of Department and the Dean of Faculty of Arts proved abortive.

The incident has sparked reactions among students on campus, with many calling for tighter security during examinations.

Media Conversation reports that DELSU maintains a strong stance against stealing and other inappropriate behaviours among students.

If found guilty, the suspect could face multiple sanctions ranging from rustication to expulsion.

Meanwhile, a young lady has gone public with allegations that she was assaulted and nearly gang-raped by a group of men in Otor-Iyeded community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, during a local festival.

In a video shared on TikTok under the handle @dge_redoii, the lady, who appeared distressed and was speaking from what she said was a hospital, recounted that the incident occurred on the day she went out to get kegs for her business in Ugele.

Education

Opone, Others Secure Second Term As DELSU-ASUU Holds Elections

Published

3 days ago

August 12, 2026

Media Conversation

By Christabel Adigbo

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Delta State University, Abraka Branch, has elected new executives to run the affairs of the Union for the next two years.

The elections which took place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Large Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Education, Site III of the University saw the emergence of Comrade Paul Oshagwu Opone as the Branch Chairman for a second term after polling 90% of the total votes.

Other elected executives were Comrade Emmanuel Oghenekparobor Emama who emerged as Vice Chairman after polling 100% of the total votes, Comrade Festus Omosor who emerged as Secretary after polling 97% of the total votes, Comrade Frank Oris Ebiaghan who emerged as Treasurer after polling 99% of the total votes, as well as Comrade Nicholas Onyemechi Alumona who emerged as Financial Secretary after polling 97% of the total votes.

The remaining elected executives were Comrade Paul Otujevwe Ogbe who emerged as Investment Secretary after polling 99% of the total votes, Comrade Abigail Oghenekevwe Ohwo who emerged as Internal Auditor after polling 94% of the total votes and Comrade Onome Norah Ekoko who emerged as Welfare Officer after polling 100% of the votes.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Professor Emmanuel Mitaire Tarurhor, while speaking prior to the elections told members of Congress that the electoral process had been fair and transparent acknowledging the peaceful conduct of members throughout the process.

Professor Tarurhor, then read out the guidelines of the voting exercise.

Also, Coordinator of Benin Zone of ASUU, Comrade Monday Igbafen, who led the ASUU National Delegation, appreciated ASUU-DELSU members for the manner the electoral process went as they was no petition against the process or any aspirant.

Comrade Igbafen thereafter informed Congress that their role as national delegation was to monitor the elections and report to ASUU’s national secretariat the outcome of the elections.

Speaking after the elections on behalf of the elected executives, the newly elected Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Oshagwu Opone, expressed appreciation to members of Congress for the peaceful elections.

He also told Congress members that his second tenure would consolidate on the gains of his first tenure.

Comrade Opone in conclusion pledged to continue to work for the welfare of members and promote the ideals of ASUU.

In another development, the management of Delta State University, Abraka has approved an extension of the sales of 2026/2027 Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening forms.

The university also extended the deadline for change of course on the university portal.

Dilapidated Buildings, Declining Student Presence Raise Concerns At DELSU Site 1

Published

3 days ago

August 12, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Olayinka Oritsesan

The deteriorating condition of some buildings at Delta State University (DELSU) Site 1, Abraka, coupled with a noticeable decline in student presence, has raised concerns about the changing state of one of the university’s oldest academic locations.

Several buildings and facilities within the campus show visible signs of ageing and inadequate maintenance, while student activities appear considerably lower than in the past. The situation has left parts of Site 1 unusually quiet and scanty outside the areas still occupied by academic departments and other essential facilities.

Site 1 remains home to several university facilities, including the Institute of Education, sports facilities, staff schools, Works and Services and Physical Planning departments, as well as the university’s printing press and other DELSU Investment Limited facilities.

However, beyond these facilities, the campus now records relatively limited student movement compared with the larger concentration of students found in other parts of the university.

Richard Ometie, a 100-level Music student who receives lectures and participates in other academic activities at Site 1, said the condition of the campus has become noticeable to students who regularly use the location.

According to Ometie, there has been a massive drop in the number of students visiting Site 1, leaving large portions of the campus quiet and sparsely populated.

He observed that apart from students and workers associated with the printing press, a few faculties and departments, users of the sports facilities and pupils and staff of the university’s schools, the campus is often relatively dry.

The situation has contributed to the perception of Site 1 as a less active part of the university, particularly when compared with areas where academic and administrative activities attract larger numbers of students.

The physical condition of some of the buildings adds to the concern. Ageing walls, worn surfaces and other visible signs of deterioration are evident in parts of the campus, giving some structures an appearance that reflects years of use without sufficient refurbishment.

For students like Ometie, who still attend lectures at Site 1, the condition of the environment is more than an issue of aesthetics. It forms part of their everyday academic experience.

The reduced student population in the area also raises questions about the future use and maintenance of existing facilities. With fewer students regularly moving through some sections of the campus, some facilities and spaces appear to have lost the level of activity associated with a busy university environment.

DELSU’s own historical documents show that Site 1 was developed originally to accommodate academic programmes, administrative buildings, sports and recreational facilities, as well as staff and student accommodation. As the institution expanded, additional facilities were developed at other sites to meet growing space requirements.

The gradual shift of major university activities to other locations has therefore changed the character of Site 1 over time.

Despite this, the site continues to support important academic and institutional activities. Music students and other students still use facilities there for lectures and related academic work, while the sports facilities and staff schools continue to attract members of the university community.

The need for maintenance and rehabilitation is particularly significant against the backdrop of wider infrastructure development at DELSU. Government budget documents have included major infrastructure projects for the university, including a multipurpose lecture theatre and a Faculty of Science building at the Abraka campus.

While the construction of new facilities can help address the university’s expanding needs, students and other users of Site 1 may also expect attention to be given to existing structures.

Regular maintenance, renovation of ageing buildings and improvement of facilities could help restore the appearance and functionality of the campus while making it more attractive for academic and extracurricular activities.

For Site 1, the challenge is therefore not simply about old buildings. It is also about the gradual reduction in activity around a campus that once accommodated a much broader range of university operations.

As DELSU continues to develop its infrastructure, giving attention to Site 1 could help preserve its existing facilities, improve the experience of students who still use the campus and potentially restore some of the activity that has gradually declined.

For students such as Ometie, who continue to attend lectures there, the hope is that Site 1 will not remain a forgotten part of the university’s development story.