Unilag raises tuition by 400 percent

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) recently made a momentous announcement, confirming its decision to increase tuition prices for its students.

Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, announced this development during a meeting with leaders of non-teaching staff unions on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the university’s Senate Committee Chamber.

According to Professor Ogunsola, the planned costs for undergraduate students will range from roughly N20,000 to more than N100,000, depending on the field of study.

The decision comes at a time when the country is dealing with growing inflation and higher gas costs as a result of the withdrawal of fuel subsidies.

Undergraduate students without laboratory or studio use will pay N100,750 under the new tuition structure, while those with lab or studio use would pay N140,250.

Tuition for students pursuing courses at the College of Medicine will be set at N190,250.

Following the meeting, the University’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) issued a statement confirming the planned fees and expressing concern about the financial burden this may impose on students and their families.

Comrade Rasaki Yusuf, the SSANU delegate, proposed a refund for university staff members with children studying at UNILAG during the meeting.

Students from less privileged families may struggle to fulfil the new financial requirements as the cost of college rises.

As part of continued attempts to solve this issue, President Bola Tinubu signed the Student Loan Bill into law in June 2023, allowing Nigerian students to obtain government loans at interest-free rates.

The law, which passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on May 25, 2023, aims to reduce the financial burden on students seeking higher education.