The Kaduna State Government on Wednesday insisted on the hike of tuition fees for the Kaduna State University.

The proposed fee had generated controversy leading to student protests.

But the state deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said the increment was painful but necessary because “it is the only way that the institution can stay afloat.”

The deputy governor was quoted to have made the statement when representatives of the students met with senior government officials over the hike in tuition fees.

“We understand the pain, we are also pained but sometimes, some decisions are taken for the betterment of the generality of the people.

“We want you to be proud that you went to one of the best schools. We want Kaduna state students to hold their heads high wherever they might be and be proud to represent Kaduna.’’

The deputy governor further said the state government was spending about N5bn on KASU as the N26,000 that students were paying was not enough to pay lecturers for three months.

Speaking during the meeting, Secretary to Kaduna State Government, Malam Balarabe Lawal, pointed out that university education in the country was collapsing because of inadequate funding.

The Chief of Staff, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi advised the students’ representatives “to go back and discuss with your colleagues and get them to see reasons.”

Earlier, the student representatives said KASU tuition fee was too high.

They said did not want “total reversal, but a 50 per cent increase is ok. At the old rate of N27,000, not many people can afford it.”