Tinubu did not increase fees, federal universities remain tuition-free, says Presidency

The Presidency said reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu increased tuition fees in federal government-owned universities are incorrect.

“For avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,” Special adviser to the president on communication Dele Alake on Wednesday said in a statement.

“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.”

Alake said this in reaction to the increment in fees by unity schools and some federal universities last week.

Earlier, the Federal Ministry of Education issued a directive to increase the school fees for new students enrolling in Federal Government Colleges, commonly known as Federal Unity Colleges, to ₦100,000.

The increased fees will encompass various aspects and activities of the school, including tuition and boarding fees, uniforms, textbooks, deposits, exercise books, prospectus, caution fees, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, sports, extra lessons, insurance, and more.

Also, the management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) announced a hike in fees payable by undergraduate students from N19,000 to N190,250 for students studying medicine while for courses that require laboratory and studio, students are to pay N140,250.

The increment was proposed by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, UNILAG branch following a meeting with the top management staff and approved by the VC, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola.

Alake said the increments are “discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges” which are not tuition fees.

“Authorities of these universities even made this fact clear enough in explaining the rationale behind these new fees,” Alake said.

He disclosed that the Students’ Loans Scheme, under the Student Loans Bill signed into law by President Tinubu last month will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September, saying 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,” Alake said.