The Nigerian government says tuition fee for students of Unity colleges across the country remains free while it only reviewed boarding and text book fees.

The decision taken by the Federal Government on increment of school fees for new students into Federal Government Colleges otherwise known as Federal Unity Colleges as announced by the Federal Ministry of Education, predates current administration.

Recall that the Federal Ministry of Education in a circular entitled, “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students “and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta, says new students are expected to part with ₦100,000 instead of the previous N45,000

The memo for the increase from Federal Ministry of Education was issued on May 25th, 2023, a pointer that the action predates the current administration.


A reliable source who craves anonymity, revealed to our correspondent that:  “The increase affects mainly new students who, traditionally, will pay for sundry charges including school uniforms.

“Tuition is still free in the Unity Schools per the memo.

“Boarding house students will only pay N30,000 per term.

“To be honest, I think it will be difficult to argue against feeding a child 3 meals in a day for an average of 80-90 days that make a term with N30k. At 30k, the FG is still subsidising the feeding heavily.

“Only new students in boarding house will pay N100,000. Those who are day students will pay N70,000.

“Returning students either in boarding house or day school will pay much less.

“Three line items on the amount payable cover a session.

“Only JSS1 and SS1 students will pay N25,000 for new uniform”.