The Presidency has categorically refuted claims of any increase in tuition fees of federal universities in the country.
The clarification comes in response to widespread media reports earlier this week, which erroneously suggested a hike in educational costs.
Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, in a statement on Wednesday clarified that the recent announcements made by some universities pertaining to discretionary charges, were unrelated to tuition fees.
He further explained that the charges encompass various aspects, such as hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory usage, and other sundry expenses.
He said federal universities maintain their long-standing tradition of offering tuition-free education to all students.
He said President Bola Tinubu, unwavering in his commitment to providing quality tertiary education for every Nigerian, has taken significant steps to ensure access to higher education remains unhampered.
He said, “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 in recent weeks 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 charges. They are not tuition fees.
“Authorities of these universities even made this fact clear enough in explaining the rationale behind these new fees.
“For avoidance of doubt, 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 make sure all diligent students complete their education on time, notwithstanding their parents’ financial situation, include work-study, merit-based scholarships and grants,” he stated.
Last week, some tertiary institutions including the University of Lagos hiked their fees for new and returning undergraduate students.
UNILAG especially hinged the move on what it described as the “prevailing economic realities.”
“After careful deliberations with its stakeholders (students, parents/guardians, staff unions, alumni among others), the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Management has reviewed the obligatory fees (mandatory charges for an academic session/year) of new and returning undergraduate students of the University.
“The adjustment in fees which will take effect from the 1st Semester, 2023/2024 Academic Session, is in view of the prevailing economic realities and the need for the University to be able to meet its obligations to its students, staff, and municipal service providers among others.
“It is also pertinent to note that the University has not increased its obligatory fees in recent years. Management, therefore, seeks the kind understanding and support of students and other stakeholders with the assurance of its commitment towards ensuring that students get the best learning experience,” the school explained.
