The Nigerian Law School has recently announced a significant increase in its tuition fee, raising it from N296,000 to N476,000 for students admitted for the 2023/2024 session. This represents a nearly 200% hike in fees, which has sparked outrage among many due to the current economic hardship being experienced in the country.
The decision to increase the tuition fee comes at a time when Nigeria is facing economic challenges, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The removal of these subsidies has led to rising costs of goods and services, placing a burden on the citizens, many of whom are already struggling with poverty.
Critics argue that the significant increase in Law School fees will make it even more difficult for aspiring lawyers from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their legal education and complete their training. There are concerns that this move could further limit access to the legal profession, as students from poor backgrounds may find it increasingly challenging to afford the higher fees.
It is important to note that this increase in tuition fees is not an isolated incident. In recent months, there have been reports of tuition fee hikes in various educational institutions across Nigeria, including unitary schools, universities, and now the Law School. This trend of increasing fees has raised concerns about the affordability of education for many Nigerian students.