UNIZIK Approves Tuition Fee Waiver for Staff Pursuing Postgraduate Studies

In a move to encourage continuous professional development, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has reinstated its tuition fee waiver policy for staff members pursuing postgraduate degrees. This policy, approved at the 234th Senate meeting on May 28, 2025, represents a significant benefit for university employees seeking to advance their education.

What is the Tuition Fee Waiver?

The tuition fee waiver is a benefit that exempts UNIZIK staff members from paying tuition fees when they enroll in postgraduate programmes (Masters, PhD, or other postgraduate diplomas) at the university. This policy was previously discontinued but has now been reinstated to support staff development.

Key Policy Details

Effective Date

The policy becomes effective from the 2024/2025 academic session.

Coverage

The waiver provides a full postgraduate tuition rebate, meaning eligible staff members will not pay tuition fees for their postgraduate studies at UNIZIK.

Duration

The waiver is "tenable only for the minimum duration of study." This means:

• If the minimum duration for your programme is 2 years, the waiver covers 2 years
• If you extend beyond the minimum duration, you'll be responsible for fees after that period
• The policy encourages timely completion of programmes

Who is Eligible?

This benefit is available to:

• Current UNIZIK staff members (academic and non-academic)
• Staff with approved admission into UNIZIK postgraduate programmes
• Staff who have received official approval to undertake postgraduate studies

How to Access the Waiver

Required Documentation

To benefit from this policy, staff members must submit:

1. Admission Letter: Your official postgraduate admission letter from UNIZIK
2. Approval Documentation: Official approval from your department/faculty to undertake postgraduate studies
3. Application Form: Complete any required forms through official university channels

Application Process

1. Apply for and secure admission into your desired postgraduate programme
2. Obtain approval from your department/head of unit to pursue the programme
3. Submit your admission letter and approval documentation to the appropriate office
4. Await confirmation of your tuition waiver status
5. Complete your registration without paying tuition fees

What Programmes Are Covered?

The waiver applies to all postgraduate programmes offered by UNIZIK, including:

• Master's Degrees (MSc, MA, MBA, MEd, etc.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes
• Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD)
• Professional postgraduate certificates

Benefits of This Policy

For Staff Members

• Cost Savings: Significant financial relief - postgraduate tuition can be expensive
• Career Advancement: Higher qualifications often lead to promotion opportunities
• Professional Development: Enhance your knowledge and expertise in your field
• Work-Life Balance: Study at your own workplace without relocation
• Networking: Build connections within the university community

For the University

• Improved staff qualifications and expertise
• Enhanced research output and academic quality
• Better retention of qualified staff
• Strengthened institutional capacity

Important Considerations

Time Management

Since the waiver only covers the minimum programme duration, you'll need to:

• Plan your studies carefully to complete within the minimum timeframe
• Balance work responsibilities with academic commitments
• Seek supervisor guidance early to avoid delays

Academic Requirements

Remember that:

• You must meet all postgraduate admission requirements
• The waiver doesn't exempt you from other fees (acceptance fee, registration, etc.)
• You're expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Standard programme completion requirements still apply

Next Steps for Interested Staff

1. Review available postgraduate programmes at UNIZIK
2. Check admission requirements for your programme of interest
3. Discuss your plans with your head of department
4. Apply for postgraduate admission through the proper channels
5. Once admitted, submit required documentation for the fee waiver

Contact Information

For more information about:

• Postgraduate Programmes: Contact the UNIZIK School of Postgraduate Studies
• Staff Development: Reach out to your HR department
• Admission Procedures: Visit the UNIZIK admissions office

This is an Excellent Opportunity: If you've been considering furthering your education but were concerned about tuition costs, now is the perfect time to pursue that Masters or PhD degree. The reinstatement of this policy demonstrates UNIZIK's commitment to staff development and continuous learning.

Stay informed about more educational opportunities and policies at Ulearngo, your trusted source for Nigerian education news.