The rising cost of studying at the University of Lagos has triggered widespread reactions, following comments by media personality Daddy Freeze.
Tuition at the institution has increased significantly since 2019, moving from about 20,000 naira to between 100,000 and 190,000 naira for new students in courses like engineering, law, and medicine. With added expenses such as accommodation, total costs can climb beyond 300,000 naira.
Reacting in a viral video, Daddy Freeze downplayed the outrage, arguing that the fees are still relatively affordable when compared to foreign institutions and some private universities in Nigeria. His remarks drew support from some backers of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but also sparked criticism.
Opponents challenged his comparison, pointing out differences in economic conditions and access to financial aid abroad. The conversation quickly expanded online, with many Nigerians weighing in from different perspectives.
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One user wrote, “Thank you Daddyfreeze. When I said the same thing, those children of frustration came for my head and dragged me for 4 good days. They want to have free university education and free electricity and when they vote Peter Obi everything will be free.”
Another disagreed, saying, “Daddy Freeze analysis lacks intelligence
Because you can’t tell me Harvard or co school fees can go from 19k dollars to 300k dollars within the same time frame”
Some commenters linked the issue to broader economic realities. One wrote, “The issue is the economy… If the economy is good wetin be 300k kwanu. A good president won’t mess up the economy like BAT did.”
Others, however, defended government policies. “They are wired not to see anything good in what the Tinubu Government does, even when it’s staring them in the face. They will always find a negative narrative,” another user stated.
As reactions continue to pour in, the debate has moved beyond tuition fees to touch on affordability, governance, and the overall state of the economy.