A group of 250 graduating students of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, have formally appealed to the university’s management to reconsider its decision regarding the graduation and convocation ceremony fees and inclusion.
In a letter addressed to the university leadership, the students expressed appreciation for the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and a supportive learning environment.
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However, they voiced serious concerns over the recently announced graduation fee, describing it as “financially unbearable” and “disproportionate to current economic realities.”
According to the petition, the fee poses a significant burden and risks excluding many students from participating in the graduation ceremony.
The students, however proposed three alternative measures for consideration which include: Complete removal of the graduation fee, emphasizing that access to certificates should not be tied to ceremonial costs, 75% reduction in the fee, to make it more affordable for all students, or making the payment optional, allowing students to choose whether to attend the ceremony without financial compulsion.
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The appeal, undersigned by all 250 students, was framed as a call for fairness, inclusion, and goodwill. “We are proud ambassadors of MAAUN,” the letter stated, “and believe these measures will strengthen the bond between students and the university.”
The students further made a comparative analysis of graduation costs across other Nigerian universities. “Students from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), widely regarded as one of the country’s most expensive private institutions, reportedly paid N300,000 for a comprehensive graduation package that included accommodation, meals, and a dinner for parents. Meanwhile, Baba Ahmed University students paid just N50,000 for their ceremony.
These figures have raised questions about the rationale behind MAAUN’s fee structure.
“Where is MAAUN getting its arithmetic from to justify such an excessive fee?” the petition asks pointedly.
The students emphasized that their demand is not for luxury, but for transparency, accountability, and fairness.
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They called on the university to reassess the fee in a way that reflects both the value of the ceremony and the financial capacity of its students.
It could be recalled that the management of the university released a circular from the Office of the Vice President, Campus Life, Dr. Hamza Garba notifying graduating students from the School of Computing and the School of Management Sciences that all arrangements for the graduation and convocation ceremony had been completed.
The management consequently stated that “All eligible graduating students are expected to pay a graduation fee of N750,000.
“Accordingly, you are required to visit the university’s finance unit with your evidence of payment for confirmation, and submit a copy of the verified and duly signed receipt to the Office of the Vice President, Campus Life, for record-keeping, preparation of your graduation materials, and further administrative action, the circular stated.
However, when the university management was contacted on Friday to clarify its position regarding the circular and the students’ appeal, it assured our correspondent that it would provide further explanation. As of press time, however, no response has been received.
