Victor Ezeja
The Federal Government has debunked reports that tuition fees of federal universities have been increased.
It said such reports are not correct and urged members of the public to disregard them.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement signed by President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, the presidency explained that what happened was that some universities recently increased their charges for hostel accommodation, registration, and laboratory among others but not tuition fees.
According to the statement, “Federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,” and that President Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their economic status, has access to quality tertiary education.
“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,” part of the statement read.
“We are aware that some universities have in recent weeks announced 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, have access to quality tertiary education.”
Alake said the government would start implementation of the Students’ Loan Scheme recently signed into law, in September when the next academic session begins.
“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,” the statement added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
