Ex-LASU VC’s ₦1m tuition fee remark misinterpreted – Spokesperson

Emmanuel Adeyemi, the media aide to former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has clarified the misinterpretation of his predecessor's remarks on the tuition fees for public university students. The controversy arose after excerpts from an interview with Olatunji-Bello were widely shared on social media.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Adeyemi emphasized that Olatunji-Bello did not propose that students or their parents should pay ₦1m annually for university education. He urged everyone to consider the full context of her remarks rather than isolated statements, which could lead to a different understanding of her stance.

According to Adeyemi, the former VC was discussing the estimated cost of delivering high-quality undergraduate education, advocating for innovative and diversified funding sources for universities. Olatunji-Bello had mentioned that providing such education costs roughly ₦1m per student annually. However, Adeyemi stressed that the former VC did not intend for the entire financial burden to be placed on students or their families.

He explained, "She was not suggesting that students or parents should bear the entire cost of ₦1m annually. Her point was about the cost of achieving the quality of education desired by Nigerians, which is significantly higher than what is currently being charged in public universities."

Adeyemi highlighted that Olatunji-Bello's comments were made in the context of Nigerians' aspirations for university education comparable to international standards. He stated, "Her remarks emphasized the need for universities to innovate and diversify their funding sources to ensure financial sustainability. When her statements are taken in their entirety, they reflect her call for universities to pursue new revenue streams and improve their operations to attract funding."

The ex-VC's stance was in line with a broader discussion on the sustainability of universities, urging innovation and diversified funding. Adeyemi added, "Her position was clear: universities can achieve self-sustainability through innovation and diversified sources of income, not by solely relying on students or parents." He urged the public, media, and education stakeholders to engage with the full context of her remarks rather than relying on isolated quotes that could misrepresent her position.