On Wednesday, the Presidency refuted claims of an increase in tuition fees at federal universities, stating that there was no truth to such reports.
It’s worth noting that various universities, including unity schools under federal government ownership, had announced fee increases, causing concern among parents, students, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who vehemently opposed the idea of fee hikes.
However, in response to the outcry over the alleged tuition fee hike, Mr. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, clarified the situation in a statement. He asserted that federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free.
Alake explained that the reported increases were not related to tuition fees but rather discretionary charges for things like hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory usage, and other miscellaneous charges. These additional fees were introduced by some universities, but they do not constitute tuition fees.
The statement emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their parents’ economic status, have access to quality tertiary education. The government plans to implement the Students’ Loans Scheme, which was signed into law last month, in the upcoming academic session to provide further support to indigent students.
Additionally, the government will enhance other mechanisms such as work-study programs, merit-based scholarships, and grants to ensure that deserving students can complete their education irrespective of financial constraints.
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