We have not increased tuition fees of federal universities – Presidency

We have not increased tuition fees of federal universities – Presidency 

The Presidency has said all federal universities across the country remain tuition-free.

This is coming in reaction to some federal universities and unity schools recently announced a hike in school fees for freshers and returning students.

The development led to an uproar on social media platforms amid high cost of living and soaring inflation caused by fuel subsidy removal.

The clarification came in a statement on Wednesday released by Dele Alake, Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.

He said the hike in school fees by some universities are “discretionary charges for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges. They are not tuition fees”.

The statement read in part, “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 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.”

Alake also stated, “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.

“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.”