Federal Government Insists on No Tuition Fees in Federal Universities

By: Osayi

The Federal Government, represented by the Ministry of Education, has reiterated its stance that no federal university in the country is allowed to charge tuition fees for students. This statement was made by Mr. David Adejo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, during a public hearing held by the House of Representatives ad committee on students loans in Abuja.

Adejo expressed disappointment over the recent increase in charges by federal universities, clarifying that the charges collected are meant to cover the cost of accommodation, ICT, power, and other services. He emphasized that only the Governing Councils of the universities have the authority to approve such charges.

However, Adejo highlighted that the University of Lagos was the only institution that increased its charges after the signing of the student loans act. He explained that the university approached the Ministry with a proposal to raise their charges due to the dissolution of all Governing Councils. The Ministry granted approval, but the increase was met with a resolution from the House of Representatives and a directive from the President, both opposing any fee hikes. As a result, the decision to increase fees was halted, despite other universities presenting similar proposals.

The Federal Government’s firm stance on maintaining free education in federal universities aims to ensure that education remains accessible to all students, promoting equal opportunities for learning and development.