President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has said that despite the rise in ancillary fees at several universities across the nation, tuition remains free in federal universities.
Special Adviser to the president on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, confirmed this in a statement titled ‘Federal Universities Remain Tuition-free.’
Though, while acknowledging the rise in fees in federal universities in the country, the presidency maintained that these are ancillary fees and do not affect tuition.
“For the avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,”
“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”.
It said the governing bodies of these universities had explained the reason behind these new fees, adding that the 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.”
“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.