The Taraba State Government has approved a 50 per cent reduction in school fees for students in all state-owned tertiary institutions as part of measures to ease the financial burden on families amid current economic challenges. The fee reduction, which takes effect from the next academic session, applies to state universities, polytechnics and colleges and is expected to save households billions of naira.
Officials said the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders in the education sector, including student unions, institutional management and community leaders, with the aim of ensuring that students do not drop out of school due to financial hardship. The policy also forms part of broader social sector reforms focused on strengthening human capital development.
In addition, the state government announced a bursary scheme for Taraba indigenes studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Eligible students will be registered in a central database managed by the state scholarship board, with funds paid directly to verified beneficiaries to promote transparency and accountability.
According to government officials, the bursary programme will prioritise students from low-income backgrounds and those studying critical fields such as medicine, engineering, education and technology, aligning with the state’s long-term manpower development goals. The combined measures, authorities say, reflect the administration’s commitment to supporting students and ensuring continued access to higher education despite rising living costs.
