Federal Universities Prohibited From Imposing Tuition Fees, Affirms FG

Federal Universities Prohibited From Imposing Tuition Fees, Affirms FG....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Mr. David Adejo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, has emphasized that no federal university in the nation is authorized to levy tuition fees on students. Addressing the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on student loans during a public hearing held in Abuja on August 15, Adejo conveyed the Ministry’s stance on the matter and expressed concern over the recent escalation in charges by federal universities.

Adejo clarified that the funds collected by these institutions are earmarked for specific purposes, such as covering accommodation costs, ICT services, and power supply. He noted that the authority to endorse these charges lies with the Governing Councils of the universities. He further highlighted that the sole university to have enacted a fee increase post the signing of the student loans act is the University of Lagos.

The University of Lagos had submitted a proposal to augment their charges, a move approved by the Ministry following the dissolution of all Governing Councils. However, this decision faced swift opposition, leading to a House resolution halting the fee hike. The President also intervened by issuing a directive to prevent any further increase in fees. Subsequently, the implementation of such proposals has been curtailed, despite other universities submitting similar requests.

Pushing back against the notion that the student loans act was responsible for the surge in university charges, Adejo argued that universities have struggled to meet various expenses, which necessitated seeking alternate means of funding. The Ministry’s assertion remains grounded in ensuring that federal universities maintain an equitable and affordable education system for students across the country.