The Presidency has debunked rumours that the Federal Government had increased tuition fees in its universities across the country.
It said the government had not even introduced a tuition fee for its universities.
There have been unease, especially among students and parents, over the decision of some federal universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Abuja (UniAbuja), to increase the charges payable by students.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, the Presidency said federal universities remain tuition-free, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was working on other measures to make education accessible to all, besides the Students’ Loans Scheme.
Reacting to what it called the wrong perception of what recently happened in some federal universities, where fees were increased, the Presidency explained that the tuition item on the list of payable fees of such schools remained without a price tag.
“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 incorrect.
“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 avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,” the statement said.
It assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remains committed to his resolve to make education accessible to all Nigerian children, promising that the government was planning more innovative solutions to fulfill its promise.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of the 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,” the statement said.
