The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced a reviewed downwards of tuition fees at the Lagos State University (LASU) by 34 – 60 per cent.
Following a meeting between Babatunde Fashola, the state governor, and representatives of the university’s Students’ Union; the ad-hoc committee set up by the State Executive Council decided to reduce the fees.
“Government agrees that with the subsidised tuition fees and appropriate moderation of the incidental fees, a reduction ranging from 34% to 60% is possible across the different faculties and courses,” the report of the committee stated.
It continued: “Government has therefore approved the reductions and, in accordance with the Law setting up the University, forwarded its approval to the University Governing Council for consideration and implementation.
“Pursuant to its statutory mandate, the University Governing Council will issue details of what is now payable by students in each Department and deal with all other management matters of the University. All individuals and groups within the community are advised to relate to the University Council accordingly.
“Notwithstanding the approval of reduced fees for students in the State University, Government will retain and continue with its enhanced scholarship and bursary provisions. The Research Fund sponsored by Government will also be maintained to foster a culture of research and innovation in the University.”
The students have, however, said that they were unhappy with the government’s resolutions.
President of LASU’s Student Union Government, Nurudeen Yusuf, told Nigeria’s PREMIUM TIMES that the state government “is playing jokers with us.”
“They should come out and tell us how much we should pay now and not giving us the percentage to calculate. When they increased the school fees, did they use percentage?”
He said that the students would hold a press conference on Thursday to state their position on the review.
