Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has criticised the practice of requiring newly admitted students to pay acceptance fees in Nigerian tertiary institutions, questioning why candidates who have already secured admission should face an additional financial demand before proceeding with their education.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Kanayo raised the concern during an appearance on The Honest Bunch, where he spoke about the financial difficulties confronting many Nigerian families and the additional burden acceptance fees place on students from less privileged backgrounds.
The actor said his concern was informed partly by requests for financial assistance he regularly receives from young Nigerians who have gained admission but are unable to raise money for their acceptance fees.
According to him, some students celebrate securing admission only to find themselves confronted with another financial hurdle before they can take up the offer.
“Do you know sometimes some not-too-privileged Nigerians call you and say, ‘Uncle, I have not paid this acceptance fee. Can you help me?’” Kanayo said.
He questioned the justification for demanding an acceptance fee from a student after the institution had already offered the person admission, particularly at a time when many families are struggling with the overall cost of education.
Kanayo argued that the practice raises broader questions about the commitment of educational institutions and government to making education accessible to Nigerians who may have the academic qualifications to enter tertiary institutions but lack the financial capacity to meet multiple charges.
He said the additional payment could become particularly difficult for families already preparing to pay tuition, accommodation and other education-related expenses.
Acceptance fees are generally separate charges imposed by some institutions to confirm that newly admitted candidates intend to take up their admission offers, although the amount and requirements vary from one institution to another.
Kanayo, however, maintained that the financial realities facing many Nigerians should be considered when such charges are imposed.
“So it’s a very hard situation we got ourselves into,” he said.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
