The Nigerian Federal Government has raised the school fees for new students enrolling in Federal Government Colleges, also referred to as Federal Unity Colleges. The increased fees now amount to N100,000, a significant rise from the previous fee of N45,000.
This information was communicated through a circular issued by the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education Department of the Federal Ministry of Education, bearing reference number ADF/120/DSSE/I, dated May 25, 2023.
The circular was addressed to all Principals of Federal Unity Colleges, notifying them of the fee adjustment.
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The circular which was entitled, “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students,“ and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, reads: “The latest fees/charge increment will affect virtually all aspects and activities of the school, including tuition and boarding fees, uniform, textbooks, deposit, exercise books, prospectus, caution fee, ID card, stationery, clubs and societies, sports, extra lesson, insurance, et al.
“Please be informed that the ministry has approved only the under-listed fees and charges for all Unity Colleges.’’
This also comes on the heels of a similar decision by the University of Lagos to hike its tuition fees, which has put its students on the edge. The school, also known as Unilag, announced late Friday that the increment in school fees has come as a result of biting economic realities of the country.
“After careful deliberations with its stakeholders (students, parents/guardians, staff unions, alumni among others), the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Management has reviewed the obligatory fees (mandatory charges for an academic session/year) of new and returning undergraduate students of the University,” the school explained.
“The adjustment in fees which will take effect from the 1st Semester, 2023/2024 Academic Session, is in view of the prevailing economic realities and the need for the University to be able to meet its obligations to its students, staff, and municipal service providers among others.
“It is also pertinent to note that the University has not increased its obligatory fees in recent years. Management, therefore, seeks the kind understanding and support of students and other stakeholders with the assurance of its commitment towards ensuring that students get the best learning experience,” the university announced in a statement signed by management.
The school said approved charges for courses without Lab/Studio and approved charges for courses with lab/studio amount in total to N126,325 and N176,300 respectively.
The mandatory charges for one academic session/year for returning undergraduate students are as follows: Approved charges for courses without lab/studio, approved charges for courses with lab/studio and approved charges for medical students will amount in total to N100,750 N140,250 N190,250 respectively.
“Utility Charges of N20,000 is to be paid by all undergraduate students.
Convocation Fee of N30,000 is to be paid by all final-year students.
Charges for field trips where such is a mandatory requirement of the course of study will be determined as the need arises,” the school management noted.
These developments, which come weeks after President Bola Tinubu signed the education loan bill into law, have raised concerns about the affordability of education in Nigeria given the recent removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the forex market which have shot the cost of living up.
Before the students’ loan bill was signed into law, education was subsidized across all federal schools in the country. This made it possible for parents with low incomes to send their children to school.