Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has approved 34 to 60 per cent reduction of tuition fees at the Lagos State University (LASU).
The decision was contained in a 17-point resolution of a committee raised to look into demands by students and lecturers for fees reduction.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Otunba Fatai Olukoga, who read the report to reporters on Wednesday in Alausa, said the government had agreed to a reduction of tuition fees, ranging from 34 to 60 per cent across faculties and courses.
Olukoga, who was in the company of Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba, Special Adviser on Information Lateef Raji and Special Adviser on Media Hakeem Bello, said the government considered the reduction of fees for two reasons.
He said that “The first is the fact that some of the fee components have been applied to students across all levels when in fact they can be justifiably limited to students at a particular level. Secondly, some of the charges can be reduced on compassionate grounds.”
Olukoga said the reduction was done in accordance with the law setting up the university, adding that the government’s position had been submitted to the university’s Governing Council for consideration and implementation.
He said the Governing Council would issue details of “what is now payable by students in each department and deal with other management matters”.
Olukoga said the reduction will not affect the government’s commitment to enhancing scholarships and bursary, adding that the Research Fund sponsored by the government will be maintained to promote research and innovation in the university.
He said the governor expressed optimism that the reduction would prompt staff unions to call off their strike, even as the government declined the lecturers’ demand for appointments and promotions to positions already filled.
Olukoga said: “Employees cannot unilaterally insist on being appointed or promoted to positions that are not vacant, especially where there are over 200 vacant positions to be filled in the same institution.
“In conclusion, it is hoped that all students and workers of the university will immediately resume their respective activities and join the state government’s bid to bring LASU to a preeminent position.”
On the fate of students arrested during protests for fees reduction, who were arraigned for disturbing public peace, Ibirogba said the government had nothing to do with their arrest, but would liaise with the Ministry of Justice to see what can be done.
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