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Federal Universities Responsible On Increment, Not Tinubu Government.

Published

9 months ago

July 26, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

President Bola Tinubu has announced that federal universities are still tuition-free amid recent hikes in university fees.

According to the President, Nigerians have regarded tuition fees as discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other expenses.

Last Friday, amid rising inflation and hikes in petrol prices following the removal of fuel subsidy, the University of Lagos increased school fees.

The school increased its fees from about N20,000 to over N100,000 depending on the course of study.

The new fees to be paid by students range from N100,750 to N190,250 depending on whether the course of study requires laboratory or studio work or if the student is in the College of Medicine.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, held a meeting with the representatives of non-teaching staff unions on July 20, 2023, at the Senate Committee Chamber of the school.

During the meeting, Ogunsola disclosed the proposed fees for the school’s undergraduate students.

But in a statement issued by Dele Alake,

Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, on Wednesday, Tinubu’s government has not increased tuition in federal universities.

The statement read, “It was widely reported earlier this week across some news media outlets that the Federal Government had increased tuition fees in federal universities in the country.

“These reports are inaccurate and not correct.

“We are aware that some universities have recently announced an increase in the amount payable by students on sundry charges.

“However, the fact remains, and we have confirmed that these are discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other expenses. They are not tuition fees.

“Authorities of these universities made this fact clear enough in explaining the rationale behind these new fees.

“For the avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents, have access to quality tertiary education.

“In addition to the Students’ Loans Scheme, under the Student Loans Bill signed into law by President Tinubu last month, which will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September, the Federal Government will also strengthen other mechanisms to support indigent students.

“Parts of the government’s plans to ensure all diligent students complete their education on time, notwithstanding their parents’ financial situation, include work-study, merit-based scholarships and grants.”