Edith CHUKU
The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has intervened in the ongoing crisis in Niger Delta University NDU, over the tuition fee hike, recently announced by the management of the institution.
NDU management had earlier announced an increment in fee which stipulated that students would pay N319,000 instead of the initial N110,000, while some departments were to pay over N500,000.
This decision resulted to a protest led by the Student Union Government SUG of the institution, and an indefinite strike declared by the President, Comr David Patrick Dauduokumor.
Following the directives from the governor, the institution’s management canceled the newly announced fee.
A statement by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle E. Emelah, read, “Bayelsa State Government has directed the immediate suspension of the implementation of an alleged “new school fees policy” in the State owned Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma.
“By this directive, both the management and students are advised to go about their usual academic activities, maintain order and shun acts capable of causing rancour and chaos in and around the campus.”
In response, the institution reversed its recent decision on the upward review of charges and fees for 100 level students in the 2026/2027 academic session.
NDU management revealed that the decision to suspend the school fees hike was “taken after an extensive consultation with critical stakeholders of the state.
“Consequently, the fee structure for the current session (2025/2026) will be maintained in the upcoming academic year. We understand that the proposed increase may have caused concern among students, parents and stakeholders of the state. We appreciate your feedback during this period.”
