The Nigerian government says contrary to reports in some quarters, students in its universities do not pay tuition fees.
Reacting to reports of an increase in tuition fee for universities, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake in a message said the reports were not correct.
He added that what happens is the payment of sundry charges, which are discretionary.
“It was widely reported earlier this week across some news media outlets that the Nigerian 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 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,” he said
He said the affected universities had given reasons for an increase in their sundry charges.
“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,” Alake stressed.
The government’s spokesperson said President Bola Tinubu means we’ll for Nigerian students and will continue to protect their interests.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Olusola Akintonde
