Fashola approves 34 to 60 per cent reductionof LASU school fees

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has
approved 34 to 60 per cent reduction of tuition
fees at the Lagos State University (LASU).
The decision was contained in a 17-point
resolution of a committee raised to look into
demands by students and lecturers for fees
reduction.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education
Otunba Fatai Olukoga, who read the report to
reporters yesterday in Alausa, said the
government had agreed to a reduction of tuition
fees, ranging from 34 to 60 per cent across
faculties and courses.
Olukoga, who was in the company of
Commissioner for Information and Strategy
Lateef Ibirogba, Special Adviser on Information
Lateef Raji and Special Adviser on Media
Hakeem Bello, said the government considered
the reduction of fees for two reasons.
He said: “The first is the fact that some of the
fee components have been applied to students
across all levels when in fact they can be
justifiably limited to students at a particular
level. Secondly, some of the charges can be
reduced on compassionate grounds.”
Olukoga said the reduction was done in
accordance with the law setting up the
university, adding that the government’s position
had been submitted to the university’s Governing
Council for consideration and implementation.
He said the Governing Council would issue details
of “what is now payable by students in each
department and deal with other management
matters”.
Olukoga said the reduction will not affect the
government’s commitment to enhancing
scholarships and bursary, adding that the
Research Fund sponsored by the government will
be maintained to promote research and
innovation in the university.
He said the governor expressed optimism that
the reduction would prompt staff unions to call
off their strike.
The government declined the lecturers’ demand
for appointments and promotions to positions
already filled.
Olukoga said: “Employees cannot unilaterally
insist on being appointed or promoted to
positions that are not vacant, especially where
there are over 200 vacant positions to be filled in
the same institution. In conclusion, it is hoped
that all students and workers of the university
will immediately resume their respective
activities and join the state government’s bid to
bring LASU to a preeminent position.”
On the fate of students arrested during
protests for fees reduction, who were arraigned
for disturbing public peace, Ibirogba said the
government had nothing to do with their arrest,
but would liaise with the Ministry of Justice to
see what can be done.
Raji said the reduction shows that the
government is flexible.
- The Nation.