The Federal Government has made it clear that federal universities in Nigeria are not permitted to charge tuition fees.
This was announced by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr David Adejo while speaking at a hearing held by the House of Representatives and HOC committee on Students loans on Tuesday, August 8, in Abuja.
According to Adejo; “what the universities should collect is charges to cover the cost of accomodations, ICT and power among others”.He however disagreed with the claim that signing the student loan was responsible for the hike in the university charges.
In his words,”only University of Lagos increased their charges after the signing of the students loan act and this was after their proposal had been given approval, immediately that was done, there was a resolution from the House stopping the increase in fees and the President also gave a directive stopping any increase in fees,and that is where it is,even though several others have brought their proposal”,he said.
Adejo further stated that despite charging the fees, universities were still struggling to meet up with some of their expenses. He added that the students loan scheme is expected to begin in the 2023/2024 academic year and necessary preparations have been made on the instruction of the President.
