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The Nigerian government has refuted reports suggesting an increase in tuition fees for universities, emphasizing that students in federal universities across the country do not pay tuition fees.
The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake, clarified the situation Wednesday, stating that what some universities charge are discretionary sundry fees.
“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,” Alake said in a statement.
According to reports, schools like the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Uyo, the University of Maiduguri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Federal University, Dutse have all increased their fees.
The Special Adviser further explained that the charges students encounter are for various services like hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory, and other related costs. “They are not tuition fees,” he reiterated.
Alake pointed out that the affected universities had provided reasons for the increase in their sundry charges and made it clear that they are not mandatory tuition fees. He emphasized that federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free.
“For avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,” Alake stressed.
He maintained that President Bola Tinubu was committed to ensuring access to quality tertiary education for all Nigerian students, regardless of their parents’ economic situation.
The recently signed Students’ Loans Bill will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September, and the Federal Government intends to strengthen other mechanisms to support students in need.
“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,” Alake added.
The government’s spokesperson reiterated that President Tinubu prioritizes the welfare and interests of Nigerian students and will continue to work towards providing opportunities for quality higher education for all.