The Federal Government has described as “inaccurate and not correct” the reports in some news media that it had increased tuition fees in federal universities in the country, saying that federal universities remain tuition-free.
In a State House press release issued on Wednesday, Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, said though some universities had recently increased sundry fees payable by students, those were not tuition fees as reported.
“We are aware that some universities have in recent weeks announced increase in the amount payable by students on sundry charges,” Alake said.
“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,” he said.
Alake said 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.
