Leaked Memo Sparks Fresh Tuition Hike Fears As FG Directs Universities To Fund Lecturers’ Allowances Through IGR

Fresh concerns over possible tuition increases in Nigeria’s public universities have emerged following the circulation of a leaked memo indicating that the Federal Government directed federal universities to fund lecturers’ allowances through internally generated revenue (IGR).

The internal memo from Modibbo Adama University revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education instructed vice-chancellors to source funds internally for the payment of Consequential Adjustment and Transport Allowance (CATA) to academic staff.

The document, dated May 18, 2026, and signed by the university bursar, Hanien N. Ayuka, stated that the institution had been paying the allowance from its internally generated revenue since January 2026.

However, the university explained that the arrangement had become financially unsustainable due to the absence of reimbursement from the Federal Government.

According to the memo, the Minister of Education directed all vice-chancellors to immediately begin payment of the allowance to eligible lecturers pending federal cash backing.

The university disclosed that despite complying with the directive for months, it had yet to receive any financial support from the Federal Government to offset the payments already made.

As a result, the institution announced the suspension of the allowance payment from May 2026 because of growing financial pressure.

Copies of the leaked memo were reportedly circulated to principal officers of the university, including the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrar, Provost, Internal Auditor, University Librarian, deans, the chairman of the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch, and the Head of Payroll.

A lecturer at the university, who spoke anonymously, warned that the development could force many federal universities to increase tuition fees and service charges to survive financially.

“The reality is that many universities may have no choice but to increase tuition and other charges next session because the government has effectively pushed the responsibility of funding onto the institutions,” the lecturer reportedly said.

The development has generated anxiety among students, parents and lecturers, with fears that another round of fee hikes could worsen the economic hardship facing many Nigerian families.

Several federal universities have already increased tuition and administrative charges in recent years, leading to protests by students and labour unions who accused the government of gradually commercialising public education.

Meanwhile, ASUU has again accused the Federal Government of failing to fully implement the 2025 agreement reached with the union.

Speaking during a press conference at Benue State University, ASUU Nsukka Zone Coordinator, Comrade Christian Opata, alleged that the government had only partially implemented the agreement signed on January 14, 2026.

Opata criticised the delay in inaugurating the Implementation Monitoring Committee expected to oversee compliance with the agreement and resolve emerging issues.

The union also faulted the Federal Government over the proposed National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, alleging that ASUU was excluded from the process despite being part of the agreement.

ASUU further rejected the proposed funding structure for the research fund, insisting that it contradicted earlier recommendations that at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should be allocated to research, innovation and development.

The union warned that continued failure to fully implement the agreement could trigger another industrial crisis in Nigeria’s public university system.

NDLEA Warns Against Growing Culture of Drug Abuse Glorification

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on Nigerians to reject the growing trend of glorifying drug abuse, particularly among young people, warning that the culture poses serious dangers to society.

Chairman of the agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), made the call during the commissioning of the NDLEA’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja.

Marwa said the station was established to strengthen the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign through public enlightenment, education and community engagement.

According to him, the increasing portrayal of substance abuse as fashionable in popular culture remains a major concern that requires urgent action from families, media organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders.

“We recognise that behind every case of drug abuse is a human being — a young person searching for escape, a family seeking solutions, and individuals whose lives can still be redirected positively,” he said.

The NDLEA chairman explained that the radio station would serve as a platform for promoting positive values, sharing recovery stories and providing accurate information aimed at discouraging drug abuse.

He warned that allowing harmful narratives around drugs to spread unchecked could have severe consequences for public health, national security and economic stability.

“If we fail to control the narrative today, the consequences tomorrow could be devastating,” Marwa stated.

He further noted that drug abuse continues to contribute to insecurity and several social problems across Nigeria, but expressed optimism that sustained advocacy and awareness campaigns could help reverse the trend.

Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, intercepting illicit substances and dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade.

Speaking at the event, the United Nations Country Representative, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, described the initiative as a positive step toward combining enforcement with education and advocacy.

According to him, the project aligns with Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan and supports efforts aimed at promoting a more balanced and health-focused response to drug-related challenges.

Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, also commended the initiative, noting that broadcasting remains a powerful tool for shaping public attitudes and promoting positive behavioural change, especially among youths.

Kaduna Communities Raise Alarm Over Suspicious Okada Riders, Fake Transfer Scams

Residents in several communities across Kaduna State have raised concerns over increasing security threats linked to suspicious commercial motorcycle activities and rising cases of fake bank transfer fraud targeting traders and business owners.

The concerns were highlighted during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Regional Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) Network under the Empowering Community Security (ECOS) Project.

In a statement issued by the Kaduna State Coordinator of the EWER Network, Eric John, participants reviewed recent security developments across Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia and Kagarko Local Government Areas.

According to the statement, communities have continued to witness emerging criminal activities and worsening economic pressures, prompting calls for stronger vigilance and coordinated response measures.

The network revealed that between January and May 18, 2026, at least 16 early warning security reports were received and escalated for intervention.

Stakeholders at the meeting expressed concern over the growing number of unidentified commercial motorcycle riders operating within Kaduna metropolis and surrounding communities.

Participants alleged that some of the riders rent houses and lodge in hotels without proper means of identification, creating fear among residents already battling insecurity challenges.

The meeting also raised concerns over reports of armed herders allegedly relocating into rural communities in Kajuru, Chikun, Kachia and Kagarko LGAs, with fears that the situation could lead to attacks, destruction of farmlands and renewed communal tensions.

However, the stakeholders dismissed rumours claiming that criminals had taken refuge at the Sabon Tasha abattoir, stating that investigations by the Sabon Tasha Police Division found no evidence supporting the allegations.

Residents were cautioned against spreading unverified information capable of creating panic and tension within communities.

The meeting further identified the increasing use of fake bank transfer alerts by fraudsters to deceive traders and small-scale business owners.

According to participants, several business owners had reportedly released goods to customers after receiving fraudulent payment notifications later discovered to be fake.

Stakeholders also pointed to rising ram prices ahead of the festive season and increasing incidents of ram theft as additional concerns affecting residents.

Participants called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional leaders, civil society groups, media organisations and community members to improve intelligence sharing and early response mechanisms.

Residents were advised to remain vigilant, properly verify bank payments before releasing goods and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to relevant authorities.

The stakeholders also urged the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to strengthen the monitoring and registration of commercial motorcycle operators, intensify surveillance in vulnerable areas and improve efforts against cyber-related financial crimes and livestock theft.