New tuition regime in UK varsities threatens Nigerian students
By Stories: Kemi Obasola
Published: Friday, 3 Apr 2009
Universities in the United Kingdom are planning to increase tuition to 7,000 pounds for home students so that they can cope with rising operation cost which, they claim, is growing faster than the inflation rate.

According to a report published by Universities UK, British universities are considering raising tuition fees as lack of funding in the country‘s higher education has made universities vulnerable to competition with counterparts in the United States as well as some emerging economies.

If fees were raised to 7,000 pounds a year, said the report, a graduate in 2016 would have 32,400 pounds (4,5360 dollars) worth of debt after three years‘ study, which might discourage young people from going to universities.

Twelve university vice-chancellors suggested an average of 6,500 pounds (9,100 dollars) for future tuition fee to cope with rising operation cost which is growing faster than the inflation rate.

Currently, English undergraduate students (and students from other EU countries) have to pay university fees up to a maximum of £3,125 (2008/9). A state-provided loan is available which may only be used for tuition fee costs.

Welsh undergraduate students studying in a Welsh University have to pay a maximum university fee of £1,200. However, if they choose to study outside of Wales they are subject to the same fees as students from that country.

However, foreign students especially those from outside the European Union including Nigeria, have to pay more; depending on the school of choice, they have to pay at least twice what home students pay.

Also, UK universities are generally government funded which mostly means limited funds are available for the university to disburse among students as bursaries and scholarship.

Therefore, if tuition fee is reviewed, many Nigerians may think twice before enrolling in a United Kingdom university. Already, undergraduate fees in a school like Middlesex University, is as high as £9400 and £10,300 at the University of Leeds for international students.

In some cases, students from not too rich homes have to rely on scholarships while others may have to take loans to be able to get overseas education.

This was probably why Bank PHB came up with the UK Education Loan that covers school fees, accommodation and maintenance for the duration of a student‘s course.

But, to benefit, an education account must be opened with the bank which would be built up to 50 per cent of the school fees as advised by the institution of the candidate‘s choice, after which application can be made for the loan.

In an interview with our correspondent, the Head of Corporate Promotions of Bank PHB, Mr. Nduneche Ezurike, said, students applying for the loan had to contribute 10 per cent of the school fess.

”It is percentage driven and it is not affected by increase in school fees. It is a product that is targeted at a particular market as a solution to a particular need. Therefore, it must always reflect the need of its target market.”

A Nigerian student at the London Metropolitan University, Mr. Kazeem Olakunle, said, ”I would advise Nigerians who do not come from very rich homes or do not have full scholarships to stay at home to complete their university education.

”Most of us who are here paid the initial deposit that enabled us to obtain a visa, after the money expired at the end of a session, getting money to pay school fees became a problem. Already, undergraduate degree costs about £8,200 per session, if tuition is reviewed upwards, then, only the nouveau-riche would be able to come to the UK to school. It is also only students from very rich homes who can school here without having to take up a part time job. There is no guarantee that after paying so much, you will get a job on completion of your degree. There are standard private universities springing up in Nigeria, Nigerians can school there.”

A woman, Mrs. Grace Fikayo, who has children in UK universities, said, ”Parents who send their children to the United Kingdom for higher education should be sure that they have enough money to see them through. It is a tough terrain over there and the fees must be paid else they will become dropouts. No matter how high or low the fee is, those who are not sure that they can pay without their children having to go through unnecessary hassles should not dabble into it.”

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20090403244162