The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has reviewed its earlier decision to increase acceptance fees for newly admitted students, announcing a downward adjustment after widespread concern among students and parents. The revised fees are now ₦122,820 for Science faculties and ₦115,670 for Non-Science faculties, down from the initial ₦165,000 and ₦125,000 respectively.
This development comes just hours after the University of Lagos (UNILAG) also announced a hike in tuition fees to ₦353,500, sparking conversations across campuses nationwide about the rising cost of higher education. While the reviewed UNIBEN fees still reflect a significant increase compared to previous years, the reduction shows a partial response from management to student feedback and financial realities.
In addition to the announcement, UNIBEN has opened its online clearance portal, allowing newly admitted students to begin the necessary verification and registration processes for the 2025/2026 academic session. Students are advised to log in to the university’s official portal, follow the clearance instructions carefully, and complete payments only through the approved channels to avoid fraudulent sites or agents.
The acceptance fee covers administrative charges tied to admission processing, departmental registration, and other student onboarding activities. However, the sudden hike — even after the reduction — continues to stir mixed reactions among students, with many expressing concerns over affordability and accessibility, especially for those from low-income backgrounds.
As the new session draws closer, it remains to be seen how universities across the country will continue to balance operational costs with student welfare. For now, newly admitted UNIBEN students are urged to stay informed, complete their payments before the stated deadlines, and prepare for the upcoming academic year with optimism and resilience.
