Education

Wigwe varsity becomes most expensive Nigerian university, unseats Nile, Baze

Published

2 years ago

May 19, 2024

Wigwe University

Wigwe varsity becomes most expensive Nigerian university, unseats Nile, Baze

“I cannot change the world overnight. But if I can empower even one youth today, or tomorrow, they could join me in empowering others. With time, we could change the world,” were the words of the late Herbert Wigwe, the founder of Wigwe University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizzy, in the United States, was also a co-founder of Access Holdings (owners of Access Bank PLC).

The school, located in Isiokpo, Port Harcourt, when inaugurated in August 2024, could be Nigeria’s most expensive university, topping the likes of Covenant University, Otta; Nile University, Abuja; Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, and Baze University, Abuja, which are said to be some of Nigeria’s most expensive universities.

The varsity which is set to open its gates to its first set of students in August is also said to be run fully on 24-hour electricity and WiFi.

According to the school’s website, it also has an active conservation plan.

“With environmental protection as one of our eight sustainability pillars, we not only prioritise our impact but have looked to the area’s natural state to guide our campus design and planning.

“Port Harcourt’s tropical rainforest and indigenous plant species, lost through previous agricultural practices, are actively being reintroduced, whilst stormwater attenuation, vegetation, and fauna conservation direct our landscaping. Pedestrian, cyclist, and electric people-mover campus routes, along with forest walking/jogging/cycling trails, connect students to our surrounding environment, encouraging a lifelong love of nature,” it stated.

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The university will offer a diverse range of programmes across four major colleges – the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, and the College of Engineering.

Since the school mentioned that it would commence its first session in August, it has set off public debates among educational stakeholders, parents, and prospective students.

Many have said the university would only just be for the elite who could afford it but would not be made available to the children of the poor.

However, some others on the other side of the divide, have said quality education does not come cheap, adding that anyone who can not afford it should go to a school they can afford.

With the fees said to be as high as N12m per session, the university could become, undoubtedly, Nigeria’s most expensive university.

A check on the school’s website shows that the cheapest fee is the College is Arts which stands at N9.6m.

Students taking courses in the College of Engineering, College of Management and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Computing will pay a total fee of N11,998,800 each.

The fees cover tuition, books, laboratory supplies and consumables, personal protective equipment, project lab resources, e-learning resources, health insurance, student membership in professional associations, student activities, and facilities maintenance.

There are also additional charges covering accommodation fees which include the luxury single-bedroom apartment plan at N1,000,000 per month, premium one en-suite bedroom plan at N3,845,000 per session, classic one plan at N3,707,000 per session and classic two plan at N3,500,000 per session.

The management of the university, while defending its decision to charge in dollars, recently stated that home students would pay their fees in naira, while international students could select the dollar payment option.

It also said the decision was a strategic one that aligned with its vision to attract a diverse and international student body.

School’s defence

Defending the fees, the university said it was unwavering in its commitment to excellence in education and the shaping of future African leaders.

Wigwe varsity becomes most expensive Nigerian university, unseats Nile, Baze

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Check Your Name: UNILORIN Releases Updated NELFUND Refund List for 2024/2025 Students

Published

2 days ago

February 15, 2026

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Check Your Name: UNILORIN Releases Updated NELFUND Refund List for 2024/2025 Students

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has released a new list of students eligible to apply for the 2024/2025 NELFUND refund, according to the UNILORIN Students’ Union (SU). Students who paid school fees before NELFUND disbursed funds directly to the university are now required to check their names and submit refund requests through the proper channels.

The official refund eligibility list has been shared in an Excel spreadsheet format and contains verified student details, including full name, matriculation number, department, and eligibility status. Students can search the file using their name or matric number to confirm their eligibility.

Those whose names appear on the list are instructed to fill the official refund form and submit supporting documents, including fee receipts and bank account details, to the Student Affairs Unit (SAU) or their respective Dean’s Office. The refund disbursement is gradual and ongoing, depending on NELFUND fund release schedules.

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For students whose names are not on the current list, they are advised to check their NELFUND portal status at portal.nelf.gov.ng and ensure all records are correctly verified. UNILORIN and the Students’ Union have also clarified that this is not the final list, as additional batches of eligible students may be added as verification continues.

Students are urged to act promptly, as following the prescribed procedures will ensure timely refund of fees paid in advance.

How to Check Your Eligibility

Students can confirm their eligibility by viewing the official list published by the university. To streamline verification, a table of students in the Department of Accounting and select departments is presented below.

S/N	Matric Number	Student Name	Programme	Level	Department
1	20/66MA093	Johnson Babatunde Ogunwunmiju	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
2	21/66MA002	Zainab Oreoluwa Abdulrahmon	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
3	21/66MA021	Shukurat Oluwapelumi Adetunji	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
4	21/66MA038	Josephine Oluwateniola Akoki	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
5	21/66MA049	Vivian Member Aun	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
6	21/66MA054	Yusuf Olamilekan Babatunde	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
7	21/66MA065	Precious John Elijah	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
8	21/66MA083	Mariam Omowunmi Issa	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
9	21/66MA088	Toyosi Kolade	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting
10	21/66MA091	Ayanfe Olaoluwa Makanjuola	B.Sc. Accounting	400	Accounting

Note: The above table shows a partial list for illustration. The full list includes hundreds of students across various faculties and levels.

UNILORIN NELFUND Refund List 2025/2026

Nelfund 25_26 Update II

Check Your Name: UNILORIN Releases Updated NELFUND Refund List for 2024/2025 Students

Education

NELFUND Refutes UniAbuja Loan Diversion Claims

Published

4 days ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

NELFUND Refutes UniAbuja Loan Diversion Claims

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has strongly refuted recent claims that officials of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), including the vice‑chancellor and senior administrators, diverted or misappropriated student loan funds intended for indigent students.

In a detailed statement, NELFUND clarified that no verified evidence exists to support allegations that UniAbuja unlawfully withheld or diverted loan disbursements. The Fund said the speculation circulating in some media reports — which implicated the university’s vice‑chancellor, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, and other officials in the alleged diversion of multibillion‑naira funds — is unfounded and misleading.

The reports also suggested that UniAbuja failed to reimburse residual balances to students whose actual tuition fees were lower than the amounts disbursed by NELFUND on their behalf. In response, NELFUND maintained that its structured disbursement and reconciliation framework ensures that funds released for student loans are properly applied in line with its statutory mandate.

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Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, emphasised that the Fund’s operations are governed by formal verification, compliance, and reconciliation protocols. According to her, loan funds are released through established institutional channels, and strict accountability mechanisms are in place to safeguard both student and institutional interests.

The Fund acknowledged that discrepancies or timing issues sometimes arise in the process of crediting student or institutional accounts, but said these are typically resolved through direct engagement with the relevant institutions, in accordance with due administrative processes.

“Where concerns arise regarding timelines of crediting student accounts or institutional reconciliation processes, NELFUND engages directly with the relevant institution to clarify and resolve such matters administratively and in accordance with due process,” the statement read.

NELFUND reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and rigorous audit procedures, which include reliance on verified documentation and formal reconciliation mechanisms when addressing any issue related to its student loan disbursements.

The Fund also reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the interests of eligible Nigerian students and ensuring that all disbursements are applied lawfully and effectively to support access to tertiary education.

NELFUND Refutes UniAbuja Loan Diversion Claims

Education

Supreme Court Affirms Muslim Students’ Right to Worship at Rivers State University

Published

5 days ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Supreme Court Affirms Muslim Students’ Right to Worship at Rivers State University

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled in favor of Muslim students at Rivers State University (RSU), affirming their constitutional right to practice Islam and perform religious activities on campus. The landmark judgment, delivered on February 10, 2026, closes a legal battle that has lasted for over a decade.

The ruling reinforces Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for all Nigerians.

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Rivers State Area Unit, hailed the judgment as a historic affirmation of constitutional rights and the rule of law.

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The case traces back to 2012, when a mosque on the university campus was demolished, leaving Muslim students without a dedicated place of worship. The matter passed through the Federal High Court in 2013 and the Court of Appeal in 2017, before finally reaching the Supreme Court.

In a statement, the MSSN emphasized that the ruling is not a victory for one religion over another but a triumph for constitutionalism, equity, and justice. The society commended Muslim students for their discipline, resilience, and peaceful conduct throughout the legal process and acknowledged the efforts of its legal team and community leaders.

The MSSN called on Rivers State University management and relevant authorities to implement the ruling promptly by providing a dedicated and befitting place of worship for Muslim students on campus. The organization also urged students to respond with gratitude and maturity, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and mutual respect within the university community.

Experts believe this decision will have far-reaching implications for religious accommodation and inclusivity in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.