The Parents Association of the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has dismissed media reports alleging that the institution imposed an unreasonable convocation fee on graduating students.
Chairman of the association, Alhaji Mustapha Balarabe, in a statement co-signed by the Secretary, Hajiya Habiba Sarki, described the petition submitted to the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) as “mischievous and aimed at blackmailing the university.”
He said the reports circulating around the petition were part of a coordinated attempt to tarnish the image of the institution.
“MAAUN is one of the most affordable private universities in Kano. Some private universities charge triple what MAAUN charges as tuition, yet no one is talking about them. Why single out MAAUN?” he queried.
Balarabe said there was nothing unusual about a private university requesting graduating students to pay convocation fees, especially after paying tuition throughout their academic years.
He dismissed the petition as the handiwork of a “faceless individual claiming to represent students and parents,” insisting that the university has no business being dragged before the Public Complaints Commission.
The chairman urged the founder of the university to remain focused on providing quality education.
He commended him for his patriotism and for maintaining stable tuition fees despite economic pressures that have forced many institutions to adjust theirs.