August 7, 2014 – Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has reversed tuition fees paid by students of the Lagos State University to a minimum of N25,000 which was what it was prior to 2010.
The Babatunde Fashola-led government jerked up tuition fee in the school by about 1500 percent to between N193, 750 and N348, 750 from a modest sum of N25, 000 per session in 2010 based on a report submitted by the LASU Visitation panel, led by Hon. Justice Olaseinde Silva.
What followed was violent resistant by lecturers, students and well-meaning Nigerians forcing the state government to effect a slight reduction before this final reversal.
There was wild jubilation among the student population when the governor announced the policy shift at the 19th convocation of the institution. The students who had welcomed the governor with unprintable songs while arriving the school suddenly changed to chants of ‘You are a leader, You are a leader and the old anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee”, and danced in show of appreciation for government’s gesture.
Fashola noted that the decision to reverse to the old school fees was taken after wide deliberations on the submission of the students by the state Executive council in overall interest of stakeholders in the institution.
He said the student body made another representation to him after the first reduction few weeks ago.
“Inspite of this reduction, the student have again demanded for further reduction. And they have done so, in the most civilized way. And because of this, we had to consult extensively and we have come to the conclusion that the current economic situation of the country, compel a reduction to the old tuition fees for the institution.
“I believe that with this, it will lead to the end of the activities of the busy bodies who have sorted to use a genuine issue of how to fund tertiary education in our country in other to gain public recognition. While other well-meaning citizens of the state were busy making efforts on how the issue could be better resolved, they were busy instigating students and making mischief”, he said.
The governor promised that his administration is determined to return LASU to its old glory as one of the top tertiary institutions in the country.
Earlier Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor John Obafunwa said various challenges facing the institution could be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
He explained that since inception in 2011, his administration has worked tirelessly to ensure that graduates received their certificates on convocation days adding that it has been achieved.
He commended the relevant department for their efforts in achieving this milestone.
A total of 11, 791 students graduated with honours and diplomas during the occasion.
