The Presidency on Wednesday, says that despite the hike in supplementary fees, tuition remains free in federal universities.
Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, in a statement titled ‘Federal Universities Remain Tuition-free’, said some universities only recently announced “discretionary charges” for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory, amongst others.
“We are aware that some universities have in recent weeks announced increases 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,” said the Presidency.
It said the authorities of these universities had explained the rationale behind these new fees, adding that the Bola Tinubu administration “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 in June, which will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September, Alake said 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,” he revealed.
