The federal government has dismissed reports on the purported increase in the tuition fees of federal universities across the country, saying the reports are inaccurate and incorrect.
This is contained in a statement by Mr. Dele Alake, Presidential Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, on Wednesday in Abuja.
“We are aware that some universities have in recent weeks announced increases in the amount payable by students on sundry charges.
“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.” he said.
“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,” he said.
Alake said that the authorities of these universities have made it clear by 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, have access to quality tertiary education.”
He said that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen other mechanisms to support indigent student.
“The Students’ Loans Scheme, under the Student Loans Bill, signed into law by President Tinubu last month, will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September.
“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,” he added.