FG Hikes University Tuition Fees 420%, Science Students 638%, Medicine 901%

The University of Lagos, UNILAG on Friday increased tuition fees with the least increase at 420% with medical students having to adjust their tuition provisions by 901%, a move the university claimed is reflective of a national consensus across Nigeria.

In the announcement that came out from UNILAG, the least tuition was raised from N19,000 to N100,000 and graduated up according to the course of study.The new tuition ranges from N100,750 to N190,250 depending on whether the course of study requires laboratory or studio work or if the student is in the college of medicine.

Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University, held a meeting with the representatives of non-teaching staff unions on July 20, 2023, at the Senate Committee Chamber of the school.

During the meeting, Ogunsola disclosed the proposed fees for undergraduate students of the school.

A statement issued by the school’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) said during the meeting that lasted approximately three hours, the “proposed fees for undergraduate students at Unilag were disclosed. Students without lab or studio use would pay N100,750, those with lab use would pay N140,250, and college of medicine undergraduates would pay N190,250.

“The SSANU representative, Comrade Rasaki Yusuf requested a rebate for staff members with children in the university, but the vice chancellor explained that the charges were set nationally and could not be modified for specific student categories.

However, she offered the option of paying in instalments for staff wards with a condition to pay up one month before the final exams.”

In June, President Bola Tinubu signed the Student Loan Bill into law which allows Nigerian students to access loans from the government.

The bill will also enable Nigerian students to access loans at interest-free rates.

The piece of legislation passed the second reading at the House of Representatives on May 25, 2023.

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the president; Dele Alake, a member of the President’s Strategic team; Tunde Rahman, spokesman for the president; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, David Adejoh, witnessed the signing.

The move was believed to have been made ahead of the decision to implement tuition fees in the universities in Nigeria.

Recall that the government inserted a jail term of two years or a fine of N500,000 or both for any students who breach the new Student Loan Act.

While perusing the Student Loan Bill which was introduced to the Nigerian National Assembly in 2019 by the Former Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, SaharaReporters learned that section 22(5) of the newly enacted bill states that any person who breached or aided anyone who breached its provisions would be jailed for 2 years with or without a fine of N500,000 if found guilty by a competent court of law.

The provision reads: “Anyone in default of the provisions of sub-section 4 above, or found to be aiding the default of any of the provisions of this Act is guilty of an offence and if convicted shall be liable to imprisonment for two years or a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) or both.”