On Federal Government Colleges And New Fees!

TEMITOPE AJAYI 

There is a gross media misrepresentation of facts in the reported increase in school fees by Federal Government Colleges.

1. The memo for the increase from Federal Ministry of Education was issued on May 25th, 2023. This means the action predates the current administration.

2. The increase affects mainly new students who, traditionally, will pay for sundry charges including school uniforms.

3. Tuition is still free in the Unity Schools per the memo.

4. Boarding house students will only pay N30,000 per term. To be honest, I think it will be difficult to argue against feeding a child 3 meals in a day for an average of 80-90 days that make a term with N30k. At 30k, the FG is still subsidising the feeding heavily.

5. Only new students in boarding house will pay N100,000. Those who are day students will pay N70,000.

6. Returning students either in boarding house or day school will pay much less.

7. Three line items on the amount payable cover a session.

8. Only JSS1 and SS1 students will pay N25,000 for new uniform.

The media should do well to properly inform and educate the public on matters like this.