By Ejiro Nesisa
Contrary to rumour making the round in many parts of the country that the Federal Government has increased the fees of Federal Universities across the country, the Federal Government has said, this is not true as the federal universities remain tuition -free.
In a press statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake and made available to newsmen said, such reports are not accurate and not true. According to the statement, there are no doubts that the Presidency has confirmed that there were discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges adding that, the authorities of these universities made the explanation behind this move to the general public.
Part of the statement reads :” 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 c charges. They are not tuition fees. Authorities of these universities even made this fact clear enough in explaining the rationale behind these new fees”.
According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of his parents, has access to quality tertiary education. According to the statement. 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 adding that , parts of the government’s plans is to make sure all diligent students complete their education on time, notwithstanding their parents’ financial situation, include work-study, merit-based scholarships and grants.
Part of the statement reads:” 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”.