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Students’ body says earlier statement was based on a misunderstanding of Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello’s position on university funding

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has withdrawn its earlier criticism of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, following further clarification of her comments on university funding and tuition.

In a statement dated September 25, 2026, the student body acknowledged that its earlier interpretation of Olatunji-Bello’s remarks had not accurately reflected her position.

The controversy followed comments attributed to the former LASU Vice-Chancellor during an interview on the cost of providing quality university education and the need for Nigerian universities to attain greater financial sustainability. Her remarks were subsequently interpreted in some reports as a proposal for public universities to impose a minimum annual tuition of ₦1 million on students.

However, following further clarification, NANS said it became clear that Olatunji-Bello was not advocating for the commercialisation of public education or directing universities to transfer the entire cost of university education to students and their parents.

The former Vice-Chancellor's media aide had earlier explained that her reference to approximately ₦1 million was about the estimated cost of delivering quality undergraduate education, rather than a demand that students should personally bear the entire amount. He also said she was advocating innovation and diversified revenue sources as part of efforts to achieve financial sustainability.

NANS Withdraws Earlier Publication

Against this background, NANS has now formally withdrawn its earlier publication titled “₦1 Million Minimum Tuition Fees: Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello Goofed.”

The association said the earlier statement was issued based on its initial understanding of the former Vice-Chancellor's comments and that subsequent fact-finding provided additional context.

NANS consequently retracted the allegations and conclusions contained in its earlier statement and expressed regret over what it described as the misrepresentation of Olatunji-Bello's position.

The development marks a reversal of the position initially taken by the student body, which had criticised the former LASU Vice-Chancellor and called for her remarks to be withdrawn.

The Bigger Issue: Funding Nigerian Universities

Despite the clarification, the wider conversation around the cost and funding of higher education in Nigeria remains relevant.

Olatunji-Bello has argued that maintaining quality university education requires substantial financial investment, while also pointing to the need for institutions to become more innovative and develop additional revenue streams.

NANS, in its latest position, similarly acknowledged the importance of adequate funding and financial sustainability but maintained that universities should explore alternative sources of revenue without placing additional financial pressure on students.

The association also urged university administrators to pursue sustainable funding models capable of supporting quality education while preserving access for students.

NANS Calls for Responsible Reporting

NANS further appealed to media organisations and the public to properly verify information before publishing or circulating reports, particularly when dealing with sensitive issues involving education and students.

The association said it remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement on issues affecting Nigerian students.

The latest development therefore brings an important clarification to the ₦1 million tuition controversy: NANS has withdrawn its earlier interpretation of Prof. Olatunji-Bello's remarks after further clarification of the context surrounding her comments.

For students, parents and other stakeholders, the broader debate remains centred on how Nigerian universities can secure sustainable funding while maintaining quality and ensuring that higher education remains accessible.

By Swift School News

Published: September 26, 2026