NIGERIA: Federal universities remain tuition-free, says Presidency
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Presidency in Nigeria says it is incorrect to say that tuition fees in federal universities in the country have been increased, adding that the institutions remain tuition-free.
This was contained in a statement by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Wednesday.
The statement, which noted reports earlier in the week that Federal Government had increased tuition fees, said “These reports are inaccurate and not correct.”
Although Alake admitted that, “some universities have in recent weeks announced increase in the amount payable by students on sundry charges.”
He said, “However, the fact remains and we have confirmed that these are discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges. They are not tuition fees.”
University of Lagos, among few others, had recently announced increase in tuition fees for students with lab use and non-lab use, which meant each would now pay between N100,000 and N190,000 against hitherto payable fees of N19,000.
Responding to request for rebate to enable staff having children in the school pay less, the authorities said it was a national scale that could not be tampered with, except that they could only be allowed to pay instalmentally but ensure complete payment before examination begins.
Defending this, the presidential media adviser said, “Authorities of these universities even made this fact clear enough in explaining the rationale behind these new fees.”
He noted, however, that, “For avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free.”
He said, “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 make sure all diligent students complete their education on time, notwithstanding their parents’ financial situation, include work-study, merit-based scholarships and grants,” he said.
