The University of Lagos (Unilag) has revealed a staggering 400% increase in tuition fees, a move that could exacerbate economic hardship for Nigerian students. Unilag’s vice-chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, met with representatives of non-teaching staff unions to discuss the proposed tuition fees for undergraduate students. During the meeting, Ms Ogunsola disclosed the new fees, which would raise the tuition from approximately N20,000 to over N100,000, depending on the course of study.
The school’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) released a statement revealing the proposed fees for different categories of students. According to the statement, students without lab or studio use would pay N100,750, those with lab use would pay N140,250, and college of medicine undergraduates would pay N190,250.
The vice-chancellor justified the tuition hike, citing that the charges were set nationally and could not be modified for specific student categories, including staff members’ children. Amid the economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidy, many Nigerians are grappling with rising costs of commodities and transportation.
In June, President Tinubu signed the Student Loan Bill into law, providing interest-free loans to indigent Nigerian students, as promised during his campaign. However, the tuition increase at Unilag may present a significant obstacle for students as they face the impact of economic difficulties across the country.
