In a bid to address the recent uproar on social media platforms over the increase in school fees for some federal universities and unity schools, the Federal Government has clarified that federal universities in the country will continue to remain tuition-free.
The development came amidst the ballooning cost of living and soaring inflation, which has been attributed to some of the government’s recent economic policies.
The statement was made on Wednesday by Dele Alake, the special adviser on special duties, communications, and strategy to President Bola Tinubu. According to Alake, the hike in school fees by some universities should not be mistaken for tuition fees; rather, they are “discretionary charges for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory, and other services.”
“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,” the statement reads.
“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 the avoidance of doubts, 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, has 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.”
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