The Federal Government (FG) distanced itself from media reports of tuition increases at various federal colleges around the country on Wednesday, emphasizing that the country’s federal universities continue to be tuition-free.
In a nine-paragraph statement, presidential spokesperson Dele Alake stated that several universities had just recently announced “discretionary charges” for hostel accommodation, registration, and laboratory services, among other things.
“These reports are inaccurate and incorrect,” Alake claims.
We are aware that certain institutions have announced an increase in the amount owed by students on different charges in recent weeks.
“However, the fact remains, and we have confirmed that these are discretionary charges imposed by each university for hostel accommodations, registration, laboratory fees, and other fees.” “They are not tuition.”
“The authorities of these universities made this fact abundantly clear in explaining the rationale behind these new fees.”
To dispel any mistake, federal universities in Nigeria continue to be tuition-free.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their parents’ economic situation, has access to quality tertiary education,” the presidential spokesperson added.
“In addition to the Students’ Loans Scheme, the Federal Government will strengthen other mechanisms to support indigent students under the Student Loans Bill signed into law by President Tinubu last month, which will go into effect ahead of the next academic session in September.”
“Work-study, merit-based scholarships, and grants are among the government’s plans to ensure that all diligent students complete their education on time, regardless of their parents’ financial situation.”
