The Presidency, on wednesday, distanced itself from media reports of fee hikes by some federal universities across the country. Federal universities in the country remain tuition-free.
Dele Alake, the presidential spokesman, said in a nine-paragraph statement that some universities had only recently announced “discretionary charges” for hostel accommodation, registration, and laboratory services, among other things.
According to Alake, “these reports are inaccurate and not correct.
“We are aware that some universities have announced in recent weeks an increase in the amount payable by students on various 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 doubt, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free.”
The presidential spokesman further stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents, has 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.”
