If you’re getting ready to enroll your child in a Federal Unity College, also called a Federal Government College (FGC) or Unity School, you’ve probably seen the ₦100,000 fee for new students.
This article explains where that amount comes from, what it includes, whether it has changed since it started, and what to expect for the 2026/2027 school year.
To clarify, the ₦100,000 fee is not new for 2026; it was first introduced in 2023.
However, it is still the current official amount according to the latest information, so it’s important for parents planning for 2026/2027.
Here’s a full breakdown.
Contents
Where the ₦100,000 Fee Comes From
The Federal Ministry of Education, through the Department of Senior Secondary Education, issued a directive on 25th May 2023 (reference number ADF/120/DSSE/I) addressed to all Principals of Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.
The circular, titled “Approved Fees/Charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for New Students,” was signed by the then-Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir.
The directive increased the fee for new students (JSS1 entrants) from ₦45,000 to ₦100,000, which is more than double the previous amount.
This change happened during a time of economic challenges in Nigeria, soon after the fuel subsidy was removed, which had already raised costs in many areas, including education.
What the ₦100,000 Fee Actually Covers
The approved ₦100,000 is not just for tuition.
It is a combined fee that covers many school-related costs. According to the original circular, it includes:
- Tuition and boarding fees
- School uniform
- Textbooks
- Deposit
- Exercise books
- Prospectus
- Caution fee
- ID card
- Stationery
- Clubs and societies
- Sports
- Extra lessons
- Insurance
- Other approved miscellaneous charges.
Because these costs are bundled, parents do not need to pay for each item separately; they are all included in the single approved fee.
However, this fee is only for new students entering JSS1.
Fees for returning students are not always clearly listed, so parents with children already in the school should check directly with their child’s college.
Did the Fee Change Again After 2023?
According to the latest public information, including sources from January 2026, the ₦100,000 fee set in May 2023 is still the official amount for Federal Unity College fees, even for the 2026/2027 school year.
So far, there is no confirmed news of any new, officially approved fee increase.
However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Unofficial or school-specific levies: Parents have reported that some individual Unity Colleges or their Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) add extra charges beyond the federally approved ₦100,000 for items like development levies, extra-curricular activities, or local facility costs. These additional charges are not part of the Federal Ministry of Education’s approved figure, and their legitimacy varies by school.
- No college is guaranteed to charge exactly ₦100,000. While this is the official base fee, the amount you are asked to pay may differ slightly depending on how each college follows the directive.
- Public documents do not clearly explain fees for returning students. If your child is already enrolled and moving to a new class, ask the school directly about the exact termly or yearly fee.
Why This Increase Was Controversial
The 2023 increase didn’t go unchallenged. Shortly after the directive was issued:
- The Nigerian Parents’ Forum appealed directly to then-President Bola Tinubu, describing the more-than-100% increment as arbitrary, insensitive, and inconsistent with government promises to ease the economic burden on citizens following the fuel subsidy removal.
- The House of Representatives passed a resolution in July 2023, following a motion moved by lawmakers Saidu Abdullahi and Kama Nkemkanma, urging the Federal Government to reverse the fee increment across federal government-owned secondary schools.
Despite these objections, the ₦100,000 fee has remained in place in recent years, according to public information.
What Parents Should Do Ahead of 2026/2027 Admissions
If your child is getting ready to start JSS1 at a Federal Unity College for the 2026/2027 session, here is a practical checklist:
- Plan your budget using the ₦100,000 base fee, but remember it might not be the final amount. Always check with your child’s college to see if there are any extra approved charges.
- Ask the school’s bursary or admin office for an official fee breakdown, instead of relying only on the general circular. Each college may list the items a bit differently.
- Be careful if you are asked to pay much more than ₦100,000 without a clear reason. If needed, report your concerns to the Federal Ministry of Education or the National Assembly Committee on Basic Education.
- Keep all your payment receipts and any official messages from the school. This matters because some colleges have had disputes over extra charges in the past.
- Look for updated circulars on the Federal Ministry of Education’s official channels as the admission period approaches. A new directive may be issued before the 2026/2027 session starts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is ₦100,000 a new fee introduced in 2026?
No. The ₦100,000 fee was introduced through a Federal Ministry of Education circular dated 25th May 2023.
Based on the most recent available information, it appears to remain the applicable figure heading into 2026/2027, but it is not a new 2026 announcement.
2. What was the fee before the increase?
Before the 2023 directive, new students paid ₦45,000.
The increase to ₦100,000 represented more than a 100% jump.
3. Does the ₦100,000 fee apply to all students, or just new ones?
The officially documented figure specifically applies to new students entering JSS1.
Fee structures for returning or continuing students are less consistently documented and should be confirmed directly with the specific college.
4. What exactly does the ₦100,000 cover?
It’s a consolidated charge covering tuition, boarding, uniforms, textbooks, deposits, exercise books, prospectus, caution fees, ID cards, stationery, clubs/societies, sports, extra lessons, and insurance, among other approved items.
5. Can individual schools charge more than ₦100,000?
The federally approved figure is ₦100,000, but some parents have reported additional levies charged by individual colleges or PTAs beyond this amount.
These additional charges are not part of the Ministry’s approved fee structure.
6. Was the fee increase ever reversed?
Despite public pressure, including a House of Representatives resolution urging a reversal, there’s no confirmed public record of the fee being reverted to ₦45,000.
The ₦100,000 figure has remained the reference point in subsequent years.
7. How can I verify the current, official fee before paying?
Contact your specific Federal Unity College’s bursary department directly, and where possible, cross-check against official communications from the Federal Ministry of Education’s Department of Senior Secondary Education.
8. Are Federal Unity Colleges still more affordable than private secondary schools?
Yes, generally.
Even after the increase, ₦100,000 remains substantially lower than tuition at most private secondary schools in Nigeria, which is part of why Unity Colleges remain a popular choice for many families seeking quality, subsidized education.
Final Thoughts
The ₦100,000 fee for Federal Unity Colleges is not a new policy for 2026; it was set by a directive in May 2023 and still seems to be the current amount for the 2026/2027 school year.
Because some schools have had issues with extra, unofficial charges, it’s best for parents to ask their child’s college for a written fee breakdown and check for any new directives before paying.
Be the first to comment