By Muyiwa Adekojede
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has introduced a new sustainable school fee structure, marking the first fee revision in the past two decades.
The decision comes in response to the escalating costs of managing education, as stated by the UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola.
In a bid to ensure quality education and institutional sustainability, the University initiated discussions with stakeholders, including parents, students, and staff who are also parents, through the Dean of Student Affairs in January 2023.
The revised school fees will be applicable for the 2023/2024 academic calendar, set to commence on October 3, 2023.
The Ministry of Education, the Nigeria University Commission, and the University of Lagos Parent Forum have been provided with details of the moderated fees.
Under the new fee structure, specific adjustments have been made to various fees, while some fees remain unchanged. Notable changes include:
For All Students:
- Toxicology course fee: #10,000.00 per student
- Obligatory fee: #25,000.00 (unchanged)
- Students’ identity card: #5,000.00 (previously #1,000.00)
- Results Verification: #5,500.00 (previously #5,000.00)
- Examination fee: #15,000.00 (previously #2,500.00)
- Sport levy: #10,000.00 (previously #1,000.00)
- Medical fee: #10,000.00 (previously #5,000.00)
- Laboratory fee for science, engineering, technology, and arts students: #49,975.00 (previously #10,000.00)
For Returning Students: Returning students who are not science or medical students will pay a total amount of #100,750.00, including various fees such as registration, examination, library service, and more. Returning students in the laboratory usage category will pay #140,250.00, while medical and dentistry students will now pay #190,250.00.
For New Students: New students who do not engage in laboratory usage will pay #126,325.00, whereas those using laboratories will pay #176,325.00. All candidates, whether returning or fresh students, will pay a one-time sum of #20,000.00.
Final Year Students: Final year students will pay an additional #30,000.00 for an in-house fee, which covers the Convocation gown, fee, and brochure.
Various fees, such as library usage, student handbook, information technology, and entrepreneurship, have undergone adjustments to reflect the changing educational landscape.
While the University management has undertaken this fee review to address the escalating costs of education, it is worth noting that the decision has not garnered unanimous support.
Staff Union such as the Non-teaching Staff Union, expressed opposition to the fee increase. To mitigate the impact on members of staff, the Vice Chancellor allowed them the option to pay fees in installments.
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