The University of Lagos has raised tuition in response to growing inflation and increases in gasoline costs as a result of the elimination of fuel subsidies.
Depending on the course of study, the institution raised its tuition from roughly N20,000 to over N100,000.
Depending on whether the course of study necessitates studio or laboratory work, or if the student is enrolled in the college of medicine, the new tuition ranges from N100,750 to N190,250.
On July 20, 2023, in the Senate Committee Chamber of the university, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the vice chancellor, met with leaders of the non-teaching staff unions.
Ogunsola revealed the proposed costs for the school’s undergraduate students during the discussion.
In a three-hour meeting, the “proposed fees for undergraduate students at Unilag were disclosed,” according to a statement from the school’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Students who do not utilize a lab or studio will pay N100,750, those who do will pay N140,250, and first-year medical students will pay N190,250.
“The SSANU representative, Comrade Rasaki Yusuf requested a rebate for staff members with children in the university, but the vice chancellor explained that the charges were set nationally and could not be modified for specific student categories.
“However, she offered the option of paying in instalments for staff wards with a condition to pay up one month before the final exams.”
Recall, President Bola Tinubu approved the Student Loan Bill in June, making it possible for Nigerian students to apply for government loans.
The bill will also make it possible for Nigerian students to obtain loans with no interest.
On May 25, 2023, the bill was approved by the House of Representatives after its second reading.
Witnessing the signing were Tunde Rahman, the president’s spokesperson, Femi Gbajabiamila, the chief of staff to the president, Dele Alake, a member of the president’s strategic team, and David Adejoh, the permanent secretary of the ministry of education.
According to Platinum Times Nigeria, any students who violate the new Student Loan Act will face a two-year prison sentence, a fine of N500,000, or both.
According to section 22(5) of the recently enacted Student Loan Bill, which was introduced to the Nigerian National Assembly in 2019 by the former speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, anyone who violated the bill’s provisions or assisted someone who violated them would be sentenced to two years in prison and/or a fine of N500,000 if found guilty by a competent court of law.
The provision reads: “Anyone in default of the provisions of sub-section 4 above, or found to be aiding the default of any of the provisions of this Act is guilty of an offence and if convicted shall be liable to imprisonment for two years or a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) or both.”