Naijafavourite
Nigeria’s President announced the removal of fuel subsidies, causing concerns about rising living costs and tuition fees in universities. Reports emerged that some federal universities had increased charges, sparking worries about the effect on the struggling economy. However, the Presidency has distanced itself from the fee increases, stating that government has not introduced tuition fees in any institutions. They clarified that universities responsible for the changes were separate entities, and federal universities remain tuition-free. The President remains committed to making education accessible through measures such as a Student Loans Scheme, work-study programs, scholarships, and grants.
After Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced the removal of fuel subsidy during his inaugural speech on June 12, 2023, there has been a widespread concern among Nigerians about the rising cost of living. Many fear that tuition fees in Nigerian universities might also increase.
These worries became more alarming when several federal universities, including the University of Lagos and the University of Abuja, reportedly increased the charges payable by students in their respective institutions.
In response to this development, both students and their parents have expressed concerns about the impact of the newly introduced Student Loan scheme on the nation’s drowning economy if tuition fees also rise.
However, the Presidency has recently distanced itself from the alleged increase in tuition fees for Nigerian universities.
In a statement issued by Mr. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, the claims were debunked, stating that the government has not introduced any tuition fees in any of the institutions.
Alake acknowledged the public outcry over the rumors and mentioned that some stakeholders strongly criticized universities that were accused of increasing tuition fees. They called on the Federal Government to resolve the situation.
Alake stated that a hike in tuition fees would worsen the already harsh economic conditions, especially for parents.
He clarified that federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free and explained that the universities that increased fees were responsible for their own changes. In most of the affected institutions, the tuition item on the list of payable fees remained without a price tag.
Alake also emphasized the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to make education accessible to all through various measures, in addition to the Student Loan Scheme:
“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.
“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 avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,” the presidency said.
The Presidency reassured Nigerians that President Tinubu is committed to making education accessible to all Nigerians and promised that more innovative solutions are being planned to achieve this goal.
“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 Student 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 ensure all diligent students complete their education on time, notwithstanding their parents’ financial situation, include work-study, merit-based scholarships, and grants,” it added.
