School fees hike: Federal varsities remain tuition-free, says presidency

The presidency says federal universities in the country remain tuition-free.

Some federal universities and unity schools recently announced a hike in school fees for freshers and returning students.

The development led to an uproar on social media platforms, amid the ballooning cost of living and soaring inflation caused by some of the federal government’s recent economic policies.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dele Alake, special adviser on special duties, communications and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said the hike in school fees by some universities are “discretionary charges for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges. They are not tuition fees”.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.

“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.

“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.”