The management of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has stated that the university’s new schedule of fees does not affect old students/staylites, adding that the fees apply only to candidates offered admission for the 2020/2021 academic year.
According to the management, the clarification became necessary following a number of issues being raised in respect of the new schedule of fees.
Speaking further, LASU management insisted that the clarification became necessary for stakeholders not to be swayed by emotions in the face of realities that compel the review.
According to a statement issued by the university authority, “It is worthy of note that LASU remains one of the most affordable universities in Nigeria in spite of the steady and rapid development that had taken place in the last few years, which culminated in her ascension as the second best university in the country, a situation that explains the high patronage of the university in the ongoing admission exercise. These developments come at huge financial costs to the university and the state government”.
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The school management further stated that the increment is inevitable, and should therefore be seen as a necessary step to consolidate the quality of education being offered by the university.
Reacting to the issue of the fee increment from the initial N25,000 to N67,048, the Students’ Union Government of the university has appealed to the institution’s management, the Governing Council and the State Government to reconsider the 168 percent increment in school fees for the students.
AbdulBasit Ashade, president, Student Union Government, LASU, said that the university management should review the fee downward within 14 days, adding that the union would continuously engage the necessary parties to actualise a reversal of the fees to the initial N25,000.
He said that the union being the voice of the entire students had been gravely disturbed by the increment in tuition fee.
He said that “Within the past few weeks, the LASU-SUG had held several meetings with the university’s management team, Wahab Tokunbo, special adviser to the Governor on Education; Oluyinka Ogundimu, chairman, House Committee on Education, and other private stakeholders.
“The union understands the economic pressure this unprecedented hike will have on parents, guardians and students, especially as the world battles with economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hence, the union will stop at nothing in ensuring the increment is reviewed.
“This is a very challenging time and we must be sensitive not to compound the burden on the indigent students,” Ashade said.
He said the primary purpose of establishing the university remains to impart value in the indigenes and the residents for a better Lagos State.
“The state government, led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in line with the vision of the founding fathers of this great citadel of learning should reverse the hike in the school fees within 14 days.
“Payment of school fees by the newly admitted students should be suspended and the portal for payment closed until a resolution is jointly reached by all parties.
“We want the general public, especially the representatives of the Lagos State Government and the students, to shun any form of protests and unwarranted dialogue without the presence of the student union leadership”, the SUG president concluded.
