The University of Lagos has officially refuted claims that it has increased tuition or other fees for undergraduate students, explaining that the higher amounts now appearing on its student portal reflect a consolidation of existing dues rather than a new fee hike. (TheCable)
In a statement by Adejoke Alaga‑Ibraheem, Head of the university’s Communication Unit, the institution clarified that the portal’s new payment schedule is being implemented in compliance with a directive from Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to streamline all student payments under a central payment system. (UNILAG Sun)
“This will eliminate other forms of payment outside the central system,” the statement read, adding that “amounts reflected on the portals differ across programmes based on specific academic requirements. This does not amount to a fee hike but an integration of previously separate, legitimate dues.” (TheCable)
What triggered the concern
Students raised an alarm after seeing substantially higher figures for “department and faculty dues” on the portal — in one case rising from ₦2,000 in the 2024/2025 session to ₦15,000 for 2025/2026. Additional charges flagged include fees for entrepreneurship (₦5,000), portal maintenance (₦15,000), student insurance (₦1,250), student support services (₦1,250), professional services (₦7,500), and general studies (₦5,000). (PM News Nigeria)
University’s position
UNILAG emphasises that the higher totals are not new or additional fees, but include payments that were hitherto collected separately by faculties or departments and not captured in the central boarding-fee schedule. The consolidation effort is meant to make student loan coverage via NELFUND more comprehensive and transparent. (TheCable) The university also noted that variations will depend on the academic requirements of the programme, underscoring that the amounts are not a one-size-fits-all uplift. (UNILAG Sun)
Student and public reaction
Despite the assurance, some students remain sceptical. They view the higher totals as effectively a “hidden hike” given the large increases. Media outlets also noted that while the university denies a formal fee increase, the consolidated charges still represent significant jumps in payable amounts for many. (edubase.ng)
What now
UNILAG is urging students and parents to engage with the new payment structure and emphasises that no further payments should be demanded outside the official portal. The institution reiterated that it remains committed to affordability and accountability. (UNILAG Sun)
