In a significant development affecting education costs, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has issued a directive increasing the school fees for new students entering Federal Government Colleges, popularly known as Federal Unity Colleges. The circular, dated 25th May 2023, was addressed to all Principals of these educational institutions, revealing the revised fees to be ₦100,000, a notable increase from the previous N45,000.
The directive, marked with reference number ADF/120/DSSE/I, carries the authority of the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education Department at the Federal Ministry of Education. Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the Director of Senior Secondary Education, signed the circular, titled “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students.”
The impact of this fee hike will be far-reaching, encompassing various aspects and activities within the school. New students will now have to bear the increased cost, covering not only tuition and boarding fees but also expenses for uniforms, textbooks, deposits, exercise books, prospectus, caution fees, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, sports, extra lessons, insurance, and more.
The memo stressed that the Ministry has approved only the fees and charges listed in the circular for all Unity Colleges, signaling that these revised rates are now firmly in place for the foreseeable future.
The decision to increase school fees has raised discussions and concerns among parents, guardians, and educational stakeholders, as it may have implications for accessibility and affordability of education. As the new academic term approaches, families will need to adjust to the revised fees and plan accordingly to meet the financial demands.
This move by the Federal Government underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing the need to provide quality education while managing the economic realities of the nation. As discussions continue, there will likely be calls for further dialogue and strategies to ensure that education remains accessible and equitable for all aspiring students across the country.
