In a move that has raised concern among students and parents, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced a substantial increase in tuition fees, with some courses seeing fees rise from about N19,000 to over N100,000.
New tuition structure
The new tuition structure, which took effect immediately, varies depending on the course of study. For courses requiring laboratory or studio work, the fees will be in the range of N100,750 to N140,250.
Meanwhile, students enrolled in the college of medicine will face even higher fees, with charges amounting to N190,250.
The announcement was made by the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, during a meeting with representatives of non-teaching staff unions on July 20, 2023, at the Senate Committee Chamber of the university.
The meeting lasted for approximately three hours, during which the proposed fees for undergraduate students were disclosed.
The UNILAG chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) confirmed the tuition increase, and their representative, Comrade Rasaki Yusuf, requested a rebate for staff members with children attending the university.
Instalments for staff members
However, the Vice Chancellor explained that the charges were set nationally and could not be modified for specific student categories.
She did, however, offer the option of paying in instalments for staff members with children at the university, with a condition to complete payment one month before the final exams.
The timing of this tuition increase adds to the ongoing hardship faced by many Nigerians, coming in the wake of the recent fuel hike from N500 to N617 per litre.
Interestingly, this development occurred approximately a month after President Bola Tinubu signed the Student Loan Bill into law, aimed at providing Nigerian students access to loans from the government.
Flashback to students loan bill
Under this new legislation, students will have the opportunity to secure loans at interest-free rates.
The bill successfully passed its second reading at the House of Representatives on May 25, 2023, and key figures such as 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 David Adejoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, witnessed the signing.
As the tuition increase takes effect, students and parents are left grappling with the financial burden, sparking debates about accessibility to quality education in the country.
With the new student loan bill in place, the hope is that it will provide some relief and support for those who struggle to meet the increased educational expenses. However, further discussions and engagements may be required to address the concerns surrounding this significant tuition hike.
