The University of Lagos says the increase of obligatory fees is not intended to stop indigent students from accessing quality education.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, made the assertion at a virtual news conference on Saturday night in Lagos, where she explained why it would be difficult to return the fees to the former rates.
Recall that the institution had, through a statement issued on Aug. 21, announced an adjustment in obligatory fees in the university.
It said that the adjustment, which would take effect from the first semester of 2023/2024 academic session, was in view of the prevailing economic realities and the need for the university to be able to meet its obligation to its students, staff and municipal service providers, among others.
It further noted that the mandatory charges for one academic session for new undergraduate students include N126, 325, for courses without laboratory/studio.
The statement also indicated N176,325 as mandatory charges for one academic session for courses with laboratory and studio.
A further breakdown of the approved mandatory charges for one academic year or session for returning students showed that they would pay N100,750 for courses without laboratory and studio, among others.
Reacting to the development, students of the university embarked on a peaceful protest on Sept. 6, to register their displeasure, over the move.
The students threatened to deploy every means within their reach to stifle the move, if the university failed to reason with them.
Ogunsola, explaining the position of the institution concerning the hike, said that the move was necessary for the university to meet its mandates.
She said it could no longer do so with what the charges used to be for over 15 years now.
“There has been this call for us to return the fees to status quo and we want to share why this could be a little bit difficult.
