In a significant development, the management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has taken decisive action to address the concerns raised by students regarding tuition fees.
Following a constructive meeting with representatives from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the university has announced a substantial reduction in fees.
The meeting, held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, was attended by high-ranking officials from UNILAG, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, and NANS President Comrade Usman Umar Barambu, accompanied by key officers of the student association. Faculty leaders from nine faculties of the University and the College of Medicine were also in attendance.
During the meeting, Comrade Barambu presented the students’ demands, which included the reversal of obligatory fees, the rollback of hostel fees, and the reinstatement of the Students’ Union Government at UNILAG.
In response, Vice-Chancellor Ogunsola emphasized the university’s commitment to providing quality education to all students, irrespective of their background.
After thorough deliberation, the following agreements were reached:
1. Utility Charges Reduction: Utility charges for all categories of students were reduced to N15,000 from N20,000.
2. Obligatory Fees for New Undergraduate Students: Fees were revised to N116,325 for courses without lab/studio and N166,325 for courses with lab/studio, down from N126,325 and N176,325 respectively.
3. Obligatory Fees for Returning Undergraduate Students: Fees were revised to N80,750 for courses without lab/studio, N120,250 for courses with lab/studio, and N170,250 for medical/pharmacy students and students in health professions, down from N100,750, N140,250, and N190,250, respectively.
4. Convocation Fee Reduction: The convocation fee for all final-year students was reduced to N27,000 from N30,000.
5. Hostel Fees Adjustments: Hostel fees for undergraduate hostels in Akoka and Yaba campuses were reduced to N43,000 from N90,000. Fees for hostels in the Idi-Araba campus were reduced to N65,000 from N120,000, and Sodeinde Hall fees were reduced to N135,000 from N250,000.
This decision comes in the wake of protests by UNILAG students who took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the initially announced tuition fee hikes. In July, the university administration had cited prevailing economic conditions as the rationale behind the fee adjustments, sparking widespread outrage among students.
With this revised fee structure, UNILAG aims to strike a balance between providing accessible education and addressing financial challenges. The university remains committed to fostering an inclusive and conducive learning environment for all its students.
