Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has increased the school fees of new students into Federal Government Colleges (FGCs), otherwise known as Federal Unity Colleges.
The fees, which were increased to N100,000, represent a 122.2 per cent increase when compared to the previous fees of N45,000. This means that parents and guardians will pay the new fees per term for their wards in these schools.
This disclosure was contained in a circular from the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education Department of the Federal Ministry of Education, with reference number ADF/120/DSSE/I, dated May 25, 2023, and addressed to all Principals of Federal Unity Colleges.
The circular titled Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Mrs Binta Abdulkadir, stated that new students are expected to part with N100,000 instead of the previous N45,000.
“The latest fees/charge increment will affect virtually all aspects and activities of the school, including tuition and boarding fees, uniform, textbooks, deposit, exercise books, prospectus, caution fee, ID card, stationery, clubs and societies, sports, extra lesson, insurance, et al.
“Please be informed that the ministry has approved only the under-listed fees and charges for all Unity Colleges,” the notice read.
The payment will likely take effect upon resumption from next session, which commences in September.
The upward review of the fees comes at a time when the nation is grappling with rising inflation and hikes in petrol prices following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Unity schools are not the only ones feeling the heat, as federal universities have also seen a hike in tuition.
One of such is the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which recently made a significant announcement, revealing its decision to raise tuition fees for students within the institution by over 400 per cent.
The Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, disclosed this development during a meeting held with representatives of non-teaching staff unions on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Senate Committee Chamber of the university.
According to Professor Ogunsola, the proposed fees for undergraduate students will see a substantial increase from the previous amount of about N20,000 to over N100,000, depending on the course of study.
