On Wednesday, the Presidency made a statement clarifying that although ancillary fees have been raised in various universities across the country, tuition fees continue to be free in federal universities.
This statement was issued just five days after the school fees for new students at Federal Unity Colleges were increased from N45,000 to N100,000.
“For the avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,” a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, read Wednesday.
The statement is titled ‘Federal Universities Remain Tuition-free.’
Despite the acknowledgment of the increase in fees at federal universities in the country, the Presidency emphasized that these are ancillary fees and do not impact tuition fees. In other words, while certain additional charges may have been raised, the core tuition fees in federal universities remain unchanged and continue to be free.
“We are aware that some universities have in recent weeks announced increases 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,” said the Presidency.
It said the authorities of these universities had explained the rationale behind these new fees, adding that the Bola Tinubu administration “remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents, has access to quality tertiary education.”
Besides the Students’ Loans Scheme, which was enacted into law by President Tinubu in June and is set to be implemented before the next academic session in September, the Federal Government will enhance other mechanisms to provide assistance to financially disadvantaged students.
Alake made this statement, indicating that the government is committed to supporting students who face financial challenges in pursuing their education.
“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 revealed.
