Wilson Adekumola

The Nigerian Government has denied reports making the rounds that it has increased the tuition fee payable in federal universities across the country.

The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, Dele Alake made this clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Alake revealed that contrary to reports, what has happened was an increase in discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges.

Alake said that institutions have highlighted the rationale behind the increase, adding that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their economic status.

The Presidency, however, affirmed that the implementation of the Student Loans scheme recently signed into law by the president will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September.

The statement said, “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.

“We are aware that some universities have in recent weeks announced an 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 the 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, 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.”