UPDATED: Dollar tuition fee is to attract international students, Wigwe University reveals

The management of Wigwe University on Monday said its decision for select dollar tuition fees is a strategic one that aligns with its vision to attract a diverse and international student body.

The institution owned by Group Managing Director, Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, responding to WESTERNPOST reports, noted that Nigerian students will pay their tuition fees in Naira.

READ ALSO: Against Nigeria’s law, Wigwe University to charge students in dollars

Stakeholders believed that the dollar payment by foreign students was a lame excuse and afterthought as the management initially on its official website did not list fees by foreign students separately from home students.

They expressed that the global practice is Universities list fees payable by foreign and home students separately and it is published online for public awareness.

WESTERNPOST investigations revealed that on Wigwe University’s website, there were no fees quoted for home students in Naira contrary to the claims by the management in their defence.

It is illegal in Nigeria for any goods and service providers, including school proprietors to demand fees in dollars.

The Central Bank of Nigeria in its Act of 2007 stated inter-alia that, “the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be legal tender in Nigeria…for the payment of any amount.”

The Act stipulates that any person (s) who contravenes this provision is guilty of an offense and shall be liable on conviction to a prescribed fine or six months imprisonment.

The management of Wigwe University in a statement noted that it respects the concerns raised by some members of the public, and was obliged to clear the air on the matter.

According to the statement, “The decision to list our fees in USD is a strategic one, aligning with our vision to attract a diverse and international student body.

“By utilising USD, a universally accepted currency, we aim to provide clarity and transparency for our prospective students from around the world. We want to assure our home students that they will pay their tuition fees in Naira.

“As a hub for intellectual growth, we are not just building individuals, but contributing significantly to the economic development and growth of Nigeria and Africa at large. The presence of international students at Wigwe University has a positive ripple effect on the local economy.

“The exposure to the rich cultural and entrepreneurial landscape of Nigeria creates a potential avenue for future investments and business collaborations. Furthermore, the influx of international students will boost our local economy by bringing in USD, this positive impact will gradually reduce capital flight from our economy,” the school explained.

Wigwe University said it was dedicated to fostering a global learning environment with a focus on excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.

It stated that the institution’s commitment to providing a world-class education is reflected in its distinguished faculty, with over 35 per cent hailing from prestigious international institutions.

In addition, Wigwe University said its state-of-the-art infrastructure rivals the best institutions globally, with its campus equipped with modern facilities, smart classrooms, cutting-edge laboratories and comprehensive research centres.

It stressed that it has spared no expense in creating an environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking among its students, pointing out that the entire design of the institution is intentional, to nurture fearless leaders that will one day transform Africa.

“We respect the concerns raised by some members of the public, and we are obliged to clarify this subject. Wigwe University operates with the utmost respect for national regulations and guidelines.

“Wigwe University views education as a powerful tool for societal transformation. In seeking the best international faculty, we must also prioritise our Nigerian faculty ensuring appropriate and competitive remuneration packages.

“We are not only enriching academic experience within our institution but also contributing to the larger narrative of nation-building,” it added.