Kenneth Afor
Students of the Lagos State University (LASU) have rejected the reduction of the institution’s tuition fee by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, demanding that the government should reverse it to the old rate.
The governor had earlier on Saturday approved the reduction of the fee from N67,000 to N57,000 per session for new fresh students from 2020/21 session.
However, the students, in a statement on Saturday night demanded that fee reversed to the old rate of N25,300.
This was contained in a statement issued by Adams Zaenab Olawumi, Public Relations Officer of the Student Union Government (SUG).
“The leadership of the Lagos State University Students’ Union Government (LASU-SUG) extends Aluta Greetings to all students, comrades and stakeholders.
“The Lagos State University Students’ Union (hereinafter referred to as The Union) is saddled with the responsibility of protecting, ensuring and assuring the social and academic prosperity of ALL students of the Lagos State University. The Union is primarily concerned with the welfare of students and maintaining a peaceful learning environment.
“Following the reduction in the increased school fees, the Union would like to use this medium to appreciate the University Management and Lagos State Government for the swift and considerate response our agitation has received. Undoubtedly, education is the bedrock of any developed society remains core for a better Lagos!
“In line with the news of reduction of the increased school fees circulating the media, the Union would like to reiterate that our stance remains TOTAL REVERSAL of the school fees. The Union would continue to negotiate with the University Management and State Government for a downward review of the reduced school fees to the initial amount of #25,300 (twenty-five thousand, three hundred nairas only).
“Verily, the Lagos State University Students’ Union, is a progressive Union, admires the tranquillity and serenity enjoyed so far on campus and enjoins the State Government and all stakeholders to react swiftly to our appeal for a collective good.
“Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!!!,” the union stated.
The tuition was hiked to N67,000 from N25,000 late last year, but returning students were exempted from paying such as they were granted the privilege of paying N25,000 throughout the remaining period of their courses.
But in solidarity, they rejected the hike for the fresh students, which led to the governor reducing the fee.