Education
Federal Universities and Hike in Fees

By Jerome-Mario Chijioke Utomi
It is pedestrian information that while Nigerians were waiting for the commencement of governance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the day of his inauguration, precisely on Monday, May 29, 2023, announced the removal of fuel subsidy without putting palliatives in place to assist ameliorate the harsh impact of such policy reversal. Also newsy is that before the dust raised by such a decision could settle, another was up, as the Federal Government again implemented a coordinated but thoughtless hike in fees paid by students of most of the tertiary institutions of higher learning in the country.
What is, however, different is that such harrowing decisions have left varying degrees of unpalatable impacts on Nigerians.
To the students, it has dampened their morale, a state of affairs which visits the nation with a clear and present danger. To their parents, it has brought a combination of dropping spirit and despondency. For the lecturers, they have given up hope on Federal Government’s ability to find sustainable solutions to problems confronting humanity and the nation’s educational sector in particular. The FG’s latest decision and unrelenting inability to promptly respond to the socioeconomic need of Nigerians has adversely turned public affair commentators, development professionals, and public policy watchers into a bunch that keep repeating one topic.
More damaging is that the ongoing hike in fees in the nation’s Federal Government owned universities amply demonstrates a nation that its leaders neither appreciate education as the bedrock of development nor believe in the time-honoured saying that; with sound educational institutions, a country is as good as made -as the institutions will turn out all rounded manpower to continue with the development of the society driven by well thought out ideas, policies, programmes, and projects.
While well-meaning Nigerians need to feel worried as well as collectively work hard to deliver the nation’s public universities from the valleys of the shadow of death, is that in the past decade, nothing seems to be changing for the better in that sector.
Take as an illustration, in my similar intervention, ‘Nigerian Students and Public Universities, ‘ published in October 2019, the piece diligently underlined that there were two forms of challenges confronting tertiary education in the country. The first, as captured in the reference intervention, lays out the dilemma posed by the government’s underfunding of the public universities, which as a consequence, impedes lecturers from carrying out scholarly research, truncates academic calendar with strike actions, lace Nigerian universities with dilapidated and overstretched learning facilities with the universities producing graduates devoid of linkage with the manpower demand by the nation’s industrial sector.
The second challenge stems from the first but centres more particularly on thoughtless demand for fees of varying amounts/ proposed by the school authorities-a development that is financially squeezing the life out of innocent students and their parents.
Despite the dilemma and menace indicated above posing risks to tertiary education survival in Nigeria, coupled with similar calls by other well-meaning Nigerians, development experts and stakeholders in the nation’s education sector, it remains a painful narrative that instead of the challenges abating, the Federal government allowed it to blossom. In fact, it has morphed from bad to worse. And except the government commits its resources to get to the root of the challenge, the potential consequence could be higher than that of other challenges currently ravaging the nation.
This is not the only concern here.
A while ago, a student in one of the universities in Nigeria’s south-south geopolitical zone noted in frustration that inexplicable fees paid by students have gotten so complicated that the students can no longer spot the ones that are authentic or otherwise. And further lamented that despite these fees, student hostels have been overtaken by Bedbugs and bushes, making it convivial for reptiles/rodents to struggle for spaces with students, and left with neither portable water nor electricity as a result of the school authority’s inability to power the school generator or settle their indebtedness to the Electricity Distribution Company (DISCO) that services the region.
The above example is not to suggest that such is limited to the school in question, as no public university in the country can boast of clean hands. The challenge may exist in overt and glaring forms within the school I question but exists in a hidden and subtle manner in others. Looking at commentaries, it’s obvious that there is no end to the list of such Universities. This is a verifiable fact.
By analyzing what goes on in each of these schools, clearly presents a clumsy and discomforting attitude to the students and their parents and provides answers as to why many of our youths- those that will provide the future leadership of the country are on the streets instead of school.
This leads to another observation; the demand by universities in Nigeria of unthinkable and varying amounts as acceptance fees from new students- a practice that crushes/squeezes the life out of so many parents.
With this appealing awareness in mind, one may be tempted to ask what the acceptance fee signifies. Why must students pay the acceptance fee for an admission they voluntarily expressed interest in and paid the examination fees? In fact, it may not be hasty or considered illogical to conclude that in a situation a candidate is not willing to accept admission, he may not, in the first instance, border on registering or participating in the examination.
Regardless of what others may say, it is important to recognize that educational development, particularly at the tertiary level, is not what the government alone can shoulder as it is both capital intensive and requires productive collaboration. It, however, remains a worrying development that while the privately-owned universities like sheep have gone their ways with astronomical charges as school fees, despite the obviousness of gaps and incongruencies between their fees and the quality of education they impact on the children, the public universities which supposed to provide palliatives now behave as if it is a competition with their private counterparts over fees.
For me, there are reasons why this worry expressed should not be described as unfounded or treated with levity.
First, these harsh economic policies are coming at a time when the FG/state has both visibly and persistently manifested gross incapacity to implement living wages across the country and in a season when the unemployment rate in the country is at an all-time high.
What if the parents of these students were among those caught up by the minimum wage cobweb, unemployment or underemployment at the very least? How can they cope with these arbitrary fees currently demanded by federal universities?
To move this nation forward, we need to recognize that a sound educational sector and sustained infrastructural development remain the spine. We must learn that nations such as the Jews progressed because they possessed a tradition of education combined with social and political action. They enthroned education and sacrificed as a nation to get it.
We must, therefore, as a nation, make quality but subsidized education a human right that will be accessible to all Nigerians irrespective of tribe/ethnicity, sex, religion or creed. And develop the political will to fund education in compliance with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) budgetary recommendation.
Finally, in the words of Kenneth Lowande, a Professor at the University of Michigan, monitoring unelected officials and implementing public policies should be the chief concern of leaders in every democratic government. By overseeing that process, elected officials aim to prevent shirking, corruption, performance failures and policy drift in bureaucracy. Obviously, it will be highly rewarding if the Federal Government monitors and implements such policies in public universities.
Utomi Jerome-Mario is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Policy) at Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374
Education
Education Minister Denies Scrapping 6-3-3-4 System

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, has denied reports making the rounds that the federal government has scrapped the current 6-3-3-4 system for a new structure, the 12-4 model.
The media space was agog on Thursday with news that the Education Minister was planning to introduce a new 12-year uninterrupted basis education structure because of the scrapping of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) classes.
He was said to have made this proposal yesterday while speaking at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting of in Abuja.
Reacting to this, Mr Alausa clarified that the new system has not been introduced but was being proposed to replace the current structure.
At a media conference on Friday, the Minister appealed to members of the public to disregard the false claim that JSS and SSS have been scrapped, noting that, “The federal government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices.”
He stressed that his remarks on the issue were misinterpreted as he merely presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change.
“The proposal seeks to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.
“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, I presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposal seeks to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.
“A key aspect of this proposal is to eliminate the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing for a seamless transition of students without the hurdles of an external assessment at that stage. However, this is still a subject of consultation and deliberation.
“To ensure a well-informed decision, the Ministry will undertake extensive stakeholder engagements over the next eight months, consulting widely with education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players. The final decision on whether to adopt this reform will be made at the October 2025 National Council on Education Meeting,” he explained.
Education
Tinubu Overhauls Federal Universities Leadership

By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, which is now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, these changes are effective immediately.
At Yakubu Gowon University, named after Nigeria’s longest-serving Head of State from 1966 to 1975, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. He chose Mr Lanre Tejuoso, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, as the Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University.
He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Ms Joy Emordi after being moved from Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
To succeed Professor Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.
In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.
Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Mr Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.
Mr Tinubu also appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, he held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
Mr Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. He is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additionally, Mr Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
“All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately,” the statement affirmed.
President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Education
Tax Clearance Certificate Required to Enjoy Free Education in Lagos—LIRS

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
For children to access free education from kindergarten to SS3 in Lagos State-funded schools, their parents must provide a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reiterated.
According to the chairman of the tax agency, Mr Ayo Subair, “It is standard procedure to require a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) to access government services.
“To obtain a TCC, individuals must file their annual tax returns for the applicable assessment year and ensure their tax payments are currently based on their declared income,” Mr Subair stated.
He highlighted that this requirement has been in practice for a long time and aligns with Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2004 (as amended).
He disclosed this initiative, part of the THEMES PLUS agenda, is included in the government’s broader efforts to provide essential services such as affordable housing, efficient transportation, free healthcare, youth and small business empowerment programs, enhanced security, and better road infrastructure, among others.
The tax chief emphasised that every resident of the state, whether in formal employment or not, is required by law to file annual tax returns, declare their income and pay any taxes due.
This requirement is backed by the Nigerian constitution; it is also the law, as stipulated in the PITA and part of the social contract between the government and residents, he stressed.
According to him, requiring a TCC for access to free services is not a new policy but a longstanding practice intended to foster fairness and transparency in using public resources, noting tax revenues help fund various public programs that benefit millions of Lagos residents.
For informal sector taxpayers, who might not have detailed financial records, the government has introduced a presumptive tax of N10,100 (comprising N10,000 in annual tax and a N100 development levy) to facilitate their inclusion in the tax net.
Mr Subair explained that tax compliance is essential for the sustainability of public programs and services, emphasising that the Lagos State government is dedicated to offering quality and efficient services to its residents.
As part of this mission, it mandates that all taxable individuals register with the tax authority, submit their returns, and pay applicable taxes to maintain an updated TCC.
To enhance the convenience and streamline the process, LIRS has deployed staff and agents to markets and schools, establishing one-stop centres where individuals can obtain their TCC without needing to visit tax offices.
Flexible payment options, including instalment plans, are also available, though full payment must be completed before the TCC is issued, adding that the TCC of guardians will be accepted from students who do not reside with their biological parents.
“The aim is fairness, accountability, and sustainability. This policy is not about inflicting hardship, but rather ensuring that everyone, including those in the formal sector, contributes their fair share to sustain the provision of essential services,” the LIRS chief stated.
-
Feature/OPED5 years ago
Davos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz2 years ago
Estranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years ago
Sort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years ago
Subsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking2 years ago
First Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports2 years ago
Highest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
-
Technology4 years ago
How To Link Your MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Lines to NIN