The Presidency has said federal universities in the country remain tuition-free.

Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement.

The management of some universities the University of Lagos had recently increased fees for undergraduate student from N19,000 to new fees of N190,250 for students studying medicine; and N140,250 for courses that require laboratory and studio.

The Presidential spokesman said it confirmed that what was considered as tuition fees were actually discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges.

He, however, said the Students’ Loans Scheme, under the Student Loans Bill signed into law by President Tinubu last month, would go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September.

Alake added that the Federal Government would also strengthen other mechanisms to support indigent students.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sent warm greetings to Nobel laureate Prof. Oluwole Soyinka on the occasion of his 89th birthday.

In a congratulatory message released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Prof. Soyinka as an exceptional scholar and literary icon who has made significant contributions to literature, academia, and global governance.

Prof. Soyinka, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986 and became the first sub-Saharan African to receive this esteemed accolade, celebrated his 89th birthday on Thursday, July 13.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Prof. Soyinka is a noteworthy figure deserving of celebration, as he has been a strong advocate for good governance in Nigeria. The governor further acknowledged that the Nobel Laureate is a source of pride for Nigeria and a significant ambassador on the global stage.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate our literary icon and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Oluwole Soyinka on his 89th birthday anniversary.

“Prof. Soyinka as a literary icon excels in all the genres of literature and his prodigious works have continued to be a reference point in academic circles all over the world. His long years of outstanding accomplishments and consistency in the crusade for the wellbeing of citizens had culminated in his legendary status. He is a great pride to Nigeria, Africa and the entire black race.

“He is a renowned advocate of truth, justice and equity, who always align with the populace in the clamour for good governance across the nation and globally. He has demonstrated this on many occasions by lending his voice on national and global issues in favour of the masses.

“As Prof. Soyinka clocks 89, I wish him good health and more years of meritorious service to our dear country, Nigeria, the African continent and the world.”

A total of six students scored 01 in the 202: National Common Entrance Examinations conducted by the National Examinations Council,

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew Adejo, made this known while giving a breakdown of scores in Abuja on Wednesday.

Adejo said, “A total of (72,865) pupils registered compared to 71,738 for 2022 with Lagos State having the highest number of 18,644 and Taraba with the lowest of 102. With 38,801 female registrants against 34,064 males, we are making progress with bridging the gender parity; Sixty nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty nine (69,829) pupils sat for the examination;

“3,036 pupils were absent; 76 pupils had the highest score of 203; The lowest score was 01 mark and this was scored by six pupils.”

Nigerian students studying in the United Kingdom are facing significant challenges due to a sharp increase in tuition fees. Following the Central Bank of Nigeria's move to unify foreign exchange rates, the naira equivalent of tuition fees for Nigerian students in the UK has risen by over 60 percent.

The devaluation of the naira, from N471/dollar to N750/dollar and N589.4/pound to N957.2/pound, has put immense financial pressure on students and their families.

The UK is a popular destination for Nigerian students, with a significant number enrolled in universities there. However, the recent exchange rate fluctuations have made it difficult for students to afford their tuition fees.

Many students had kept their funds in naira accounts, which has now become insufficient to cover the increased costs. As a result, students are struggling to find additional funds to bridge the gap, and some are even facing the risk of losing their studentship or deferring their admissions.

The impact of the exchange rate hike is not limited to current students but also affects intending students planning to study in the UK.

Proof of Funds (PoF), which is a crucial requirement for visa applications, has become more challenging to fulfill due to the higher exchange rate. The PoF, which includes tuition fees and living expenses, has significantly increased, putting additional financial burden on prospective students and their families.

The plight of Nigerian students in the UK has drawn attention and calls for intervention from concerned individuals and organizations.

Parents, teachers, and education consultants have appealed to the Nigerian government to address the foreign exchange crisis and provide support to affected students.