Unity Colleges Under Fire for Illegal Levies and Admission Racketeering

Widespread reports of unauthorized fees and admission fraud are sparking outrage across Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges, exposing a growing crisis in the country’s public education sector.

Parents Cry Foul Over Hidden Levies

Despite clear directives from the Federal Ministry of Education, many Unity Colleges appear to be sidestepping official policies by imposing extra charges through Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs). Parents in some schools say they’ve been forced to pay up to ₦600,000 in unofficial fees just to secure their child’s admission.

According to a Vanguard investigation published today (April 22, 2025), some PTA chapters have imposed development levies that far exceed the government-approved ₦100,000 total fee for new students, covering boarding, uniforms, and books. At some schools, levies climbed to ₦74,000 or more, sometimes higher than the actual school fees.

Admission Slots Allegedly Sold

Even more troubling are claims of admission racketeering. Where school officials or middlemen allegedly accept bribes in exchange for placement in Unity Colleges. Reports suggest some parents were asked to pay either cash or donate materials like cement and building blocks to guarantee their child’s admission and displacing more qualified candidates in the process.

The issue is not limited to secondary schools. The Senate is currently probing similar fraud in federal universities, where JAMB and university officials allegedly manipulated the admission process. One high-profile case involves 290 medical students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose admissions were revoked under questionable circumstances.

Government Moves to Curb Abuse

In response to growing public concern, the Ministry of Education has banned PTAs from collecting development levies without federal approval. The government has also debunked recent rumors claiming Unity College fees had been raised to ₦386,000; labeling such documents as fraudulent.

To address deeper structural issues, the government is proposing a reorganization of Unity Colleges, splitting them into basic and secondary school categories to improve management, funding, and teacher welfare.

What This Means for Parents and Educators

These revelations raise serious concerns about equity, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s education system. For parents, it’s a reminder to verify all school-related payments directly with school authorities or the Ministry of Education. For policymakers and stakeholders, it is a wake-up call to enforce stronger oversight in public education.