Tough times for students and parents as UNILAG increases tuition from N19,000 to over N100,000

Parents and students may face further difficulties as the University of Lagos (UNILAG) raised tuition from around N20,000 to over N100,000 depending on the field of study.
The increased tuition ranges from N100,750 to N190,250, depending on whether the course of study entails laboratory or studio work, or if the student is enrolled in the medical college.

On July 20, 2023, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, met with leaders of non-teaching staff unions in the Senate Committee Chamber of the institution.

During the conference, Ogunsola revealed the proposed costs for the school’s undergraduate students.

A statement issued by the school’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) said during the meeting that lasted approximately three hours, the “proposed fees for undergraduate students at Unilag were disclosed. 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 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.”

The increment comes amid the fuel hike from N500 to N617 which has added to the hardship being faced by Nigerians.

It also comes a month after President Bola Tinubu signed the Student Loan Bill into law which allows Nigerian students to access loans from the government.

The bill will also enable Nigerian students to access loans at interest-free rates.

The piece of legislation passed the second reading at the House of Representatives on May 25, 2023.

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the president; Dele Alake, a member of the President’s Strategic team; Tunde Rahman, spokesman for the president; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, David Adejoh, witnessed the signing.