In a public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on students’ loans in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr David Adejo, reiterated the Federal Government’s position that no federal university is permitted to charge tuition fees.
Adejo expressed concern over the recent increase in charges by federal universities in the country, viewing it as unfortunate.
He clarified that what universities collect are charges to cover the cost of accommodation, ICT, power, and other services. The authority to approve such charges lies with the Governing Councils of the universities.
According to Adejo, the University of Lagos is the only institution that increased fees after the signing of the student loans act. This increase was approved by the Ministry of Education due to the dissolution of all Governing Councils. However, the House of Representatives passed a resolution stopping the increase, and the President issued a directive against any fee hikes.
Adejo emphasized that the charges collected by universities are used to pay for various services, including electricity bills. He dismissed claims that the student loans act is responsible for the rise in university charges.
Despite the charges, the universities have struggled to meet some of their expenses, Adejo added.
He also revealed that the modalities for the implementation of the students’ loans scheme in the 2023/2024 academic calendar have been put in place. President Bola Tinubu has instructed that all necessary work be completed by September for the scheme to commence.
During the hearing, the chairman of the committee, Rep. Teseer Ugbor, highlighted that the students’ loan program is a part of the federal government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and ensure access to higher education.
However, concerns were raised regarding the disbursement process, fund recovery from beneficiaries, and the possibility of some students being unable to access the loan.
Ugbor urged dialogue in amending the law to ensure that every Nigerian student interested in the loan can benefit from it.