The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Thursday bowed to pressure from academic union and students of Lagos State University, Ojo, by reversing the increase in school fees, which was followed by jubilations and merryment in the campus.
The reversal comes after months of protests by students and lecturers of the university. The Lagos State Government had, earlier in 2011, increased the fees from N25, 000 to N198, 000 for humanities and education, while medical students were to pay N350, 000.
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| Lasu students protesting school fees hike |
After the protests, the state government approved a reduction by 34 to 60 per cent. That reduction would have seen students pay between N76, 750 and N158, 250 depending on the faculty and year of study.
That reduction was still opposed by the students and the lecturers. Thursday’s announcement by the governor could, however, lead to a reversal to the 2011 charges.
Chairman of the LASU branch of the Academic Union of Nigerian University, ASUU, Idris Adekunle, described the reversal of the fee as a “welcome development” adding that he is gladdened by it.
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| Lasu students stormed the government house protesting |
Mr Adekunle said though the havoc caused by the increase in school fee would linger for a while, its reversal is a victory for the downtrodden in Lagos who would now be able to afford tertiary education for their children.
“Many of the students who would have taken LASU have taken other universities. Many who were inside had gone to take another JAMB form and move to other universities. There is no doubt about that.
“However we believe even if we don’t get the benefit right now the next few years we would begin to see the benefit. The citizen of Lagos state would be able to afford tertiary education. That is the most important thing,” he said.
Mr Adekunle also thanked the student union for joining the struggle initiated by academic staff and for remaining resolute to the struggle despite attempts by the school authorities to break their ranks.
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| Lasu students celebrating the reversal back to N25,000 on thursday |
Mr. Fashola increased LASU fee from N25,000 to N197,000 for Arts and Humanities students, and N350,000 for medical students in 2011.
Following several protest from students and civil society groups, Mr. Fashola on June 11, announced a 34 per cent to 60 per cent reduction on the fee, respectively.
The university on June 19, announced the fees to be N76,750 for Arts and N158,250 for Engineering and College of Medicine students.
The Student Union Government, however, demanded for further reduction, claiming that the fee was still high and demanded N46,500 for returning students and N56,500 for new students across board.
LASU tuition fee was increased in 2005 from N250 to N25,000 under former governor, Bola Tinubu’s regime.\ Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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why wouldn't he reverse it when he knows that election is near the corner.
ReplyDeleteDon't mind the man, I promise everybody in lagos state that they'll increase it after election GUARANTEE. I understand Nigeria politics more than our leaders, its about how to bath the masses with hot and cold water to hit dia target. Now is cold water to target APC winning lagos state in 2015 wait after that u'll see extra blazing hot water
DeleteWonderful! Your excellency sir, I sincerely think the promise is coming too early. Pls save it for now after 2015 great Lasuites and citzens of Lagos state will appreciate it more. APC and 2015...Lol.
ReplyDeleteAsiwaji has order the FASH revert the fees bcos he stand to loose his "oil well" Lagos state come 2015. After election it will be #300,000.
ReplyDeleteGREEDY and SELFISH POLITICIANS!
Your Excellency, you have done well, but why have you waited till now. Many will think and believe that it is a political game. There's yet one thing that's left to be done now and quickly: payment of the correct figure of minimum wage to the state civil servants and the 27.5% TSS to teachers in the state. I think this will make some repairs.
ReplyDeleteNigerian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what will now happened after election? abi na PDP again? OJS
ReplyDeletePlease check your iq if you think it will not go up after the elections
ReplyDeleteNa politics you dey use LASU do. Ok ooo! Before you increase it to 350 000 After election una go raise aim to 500 000. We don catch this una political trick
ReplyDeleteHahahahhahahaha. Oga Fashiola, your political strategy is too poor.......scoring cheap political goals. If you were sincerely, why didn't you do this since 2011? Oga, better inflate it to 500k now o. So that you can loot good money because no hope for APC 2015. PDP has already taken over. Lagosians don wise up oo. Think about.
ReplyDeleteGov. Fash...U hav done well...
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are being sponsored by APC. I wrote a comment on this write up which you refused to publish. Whether you publish it or not, people are tired of APC 16yrs misrule of Lagos
ReplyDelete