Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, has addressed concerns over its recent tuition fee hike, attributing the increase to rising operational costs and the necessity of offering competitive salaries to retain qualified staff. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shadrach Akindele explained that the adjustment was essential to sustain the institution’s educational standards amidst prevailing economic conditions. He noted that nearly all universities have increased their fees for the current academic session due to similar challenges.
Prof. Akindele highlighted that the Federal Government’s approval of a new salary structure for university staff, effective January, has significantly impacted the institution’s financial obligations. He emphasized that failing to match this new pay scale would result in a substantial loss of skilled personnel to other institutions offering better remuneration. Consequently, adjusting fees was necessary to ensure the university could continue to attract and retain top talent.
Akindele pointed out that, unlike public universities, private institutions such as Redeemer’s University do not receive government subventions, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) grants, or special intervention funds. This reliance on student fees to cover payroll and operational costs has necessitated the fee increase to maintain service quality. He assured that the goal is to uphold and continually enhance the educational standards offered by the university.
The upcoming convocation, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, will see 1,903 regular students and 127 affiliates receiving bachelor’s degrees. Among the regular students, 200 achieved first-class honors, 937 secured second-class upper degrees, 629 obtained second-class lower degrees, 126 earned third-class degrees, and 11 graduated with pass degrees. Additionally, the postgraduate school will graduate 368 regular students and 73 affiliates.
Prof. Akindele also shared notable achievements of the university, including a Mastercard Foundation grant secured by its Institute of Genomics and Global Health. This grant will facilitate training for scholars across Africa through various academic programs in genomics. Redeemer’s University is the sole Nigerian institution selected for this initiative. Furthermore, he commended the accounting students who qualified as chartered accountants before completing their degree programs.
The success of the accounting students was highlighted, with eight students qualifying as chartered accountants in the May 2026 Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) examinations. Of these, five are graduating at the upcoming convocation, while three remain undergraduates, including one who qualified while still in their second year. Akindele expressed gratitude to the host community and the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, and announced full university scholarships for six Ede indigenes, continuing a tradition that has spanned over a decade.
The Vice-Chancellor concluded by emphasizing the university’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. With the fee hike addressed, the institution looks forward to its convocation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of its graduates while reinforcing its dedication to providing high-quality education.
Key points
- The university cites rising operational costs and the need for competitive staff remuneration as reasons for the fee hike.
- The institution will graduate 1,903 regular students and 127 affiliates at its upcoming convocation.
- Redeemer’s University secured a Mastercard Foundation grant for its Institute of Genomics and Global Health to train African scholars.
