Tinubu Govt set to implement student loans, work-study, scholarships and grants to support tuition-free varsities

The Federal Government has refuted media reports that claimed it will increase tuition fees for federal universities in the country.  

Mr Dele Alake, the Presidential Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, issued a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, clarifying the situation. 

What he said 

Nairametrics reliably gathered that Mr Alake made clarifications on the discussions bordering on the tuition fee increase. He said, 

• “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,’’ he said. 

• Alake said that the authorities of these universities have made it clear by explaining the rationale behind these new fees. 

• ‘’For the avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free”. 

Discretionary fees imposed by some universities 

He stated that while some universities had recently announced additional charges for services like hostel accommodation, registration, and laboratory fees, these charges were not tuition fees. The government confirmed that these were discretionary fees imposed by some universities and not mandatory tuition costs. 

Federal universities remain tuition-free 

Mr Alake emphasized that federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their parent’s economic situation, have access to quality tertiary education. 

To further support financially challenged students, the Federal Government will implement the Students’ Loans Scheme, which was signed into law by President Tinubu last month.

This scheme will be put into effect before the next academic session in September.

Additionally, the government plans to facilitate the timely completion of education for diligent students through work-study programs, merit-based scholarships, and grants.