Federal universities remain tuition-free, Presidency debunks reports of increment in fees

The federal government (FG) has refuted claims that it raised tuition costs at Nigeria’s federal universities.

Dele Alake, a spokesperson for the president, said in a statement on Wednesday that the claims were “inaccurate and not correct.”

According to Alake, a number of universities recently announced hikes in the sum that students must pay for various levies, but these were not tuition prices.

“These are discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges,” Alake said.

He said that the federal government remained committed to its promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents, have access to quality tertiary education.

Alake said that the government would strengthen other mechanisms to support indigent students, including work-study, merit-based scholarships and grants.

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The statement reads 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.

“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.”

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