In response to recent media reports, the Federal Government has categorically denied any increase in tuition fees at Federal Universities across the country.
The statement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake, on Wednesday.
Alake clarified that while some universities had recently announced an increase in sundry charges, such as hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory, and other fees, there has been no change to the actual tuition fees.
He emphasized that the reported hike only pertains to discretionary charges and does not affect the tuition-free status of federal universities in Nigeria.
The statement issued by Alake reads in part: “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. He further stated.
“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.”
Alake reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to providing every Nigerian access to quality tertiary education, irrespective of their parents’ economic circumstances.”
President Tinubu remains steadfast in his promise to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality tertiary education, regardless of their parents’ financial situation,” Alake emphasized.
In tandem with the Student Loans Bill, which President Tinubu signed into law last month, the Federal Government will introduce additional measures to support financially disadvantaged students.
These measures, including work-study opportunities, merit-based scholarships, and grants, are integral components of the government’s strategy to ensure all diligent students can complete their education on schedule, regardless of their parents’ financial standing.
The Student Loans Scheme is set to be implemented in time for the next academic session starting in September.
