*Increment is national – VC
By KEMI KASUMU
While even the targetted beneficiaries still do not see how the student loan can be accessible, Federal universities have already increased tuition fees, “it is very sad”, a concerned citizen said.
The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has increased tuition fees by 1000 percent from N19,000 to N190,250 for students in the college of medicine.
Similarly, while students with lab use will pay N140,250, those without lab use will pay N100,750.
How this skyrocketed increment will translate to paradigm shift from hitherto low standard of teaching-learning remains a matter of public discourse.
A statement by the UNILAG branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), on Thursday, reportedly said the hike followed a meeting with the top management staff.
According to SSANU’s statement, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, met with representatives of the three non-academic staff unions on Thursday July 20 to discuss issues concerning members’ welfare.
At the meeting, the VC was reported to have stated that tuition fees would be increased for UNILAG undergraduates.
“During the meeting, the proposed fees for undergraduate students of UNILAG were disclosed.
“Students without lab and studio use will pay N100,750, those with lab use will pay N140,250, and college of medicine would pay N190,250,” the statement said.
A representative of SSANU at the meeting, Rasaki Yusuf asked for rebate for staff members with children in the University, but the VC said the new charges were set nationally and could not be modified for specific categories of students.
Ogunsola, however, gave the option of staff paying in instalments but with a condition to pay up one month before final exams.
Other issues raised at the meeting included, hostel accommodation for staff wards and the VC promised that a percentage of accommodation for their wards would be reserved but not guaranteed that all staff children would get hostel spaces.
Also, during the meeting, the staff unions presented a list of demands, which include overtime, shift allowance, hazard allowance implementation, staff medical screening, stagnation, the status of UNILAG International School tutors and the case of one staff, Dr Arinye.
Since the President came to office in May, direct and indirect policies of his government have led to many lips wagging as to what extent can the administration be trusted each time it rolls out supposed benefit for the nation.
The DEFENDER recalls that the President, whose acclaimed upped tax earnings during his administration of Lagos State continued to cause many businesses groaning in pains with no benefit to an average Lagosian, had recently signed a bill to law on loan for indigent students.
Although the loan was applauded by many, critics said it should not have restricted beneficiaries to only indigents as even many averagely comfortable citizens still need support to educate their children and must be allowed to benefit.
While even the targetted beneficiaries still do not see how the student loan can be accessible, Federal universities have already increased tuition fees, “it is very sad”, a concerned, citizen said.
