The Federal University of Technology Akure made an unexpected announcement on Monday, indefinitely postponing the resumption for the 2023/2024 academic session due to escalating protests by students against a substantial hike in tuition fees.
In response to the unrest, the institution’s management has instructed all students on campus, including those residing in university hostels, to vacate the premises within a strict 24-hour timeframe.
Originally slated to commence the new academic session on Monday, the students disrupted campus activities in objection to an exorbitant over 300 percent increase in tuition fees.
Shedding light on this decision, Adegbenro Adebanjo, the Director of Corporate Communication for FUTA, issued a statement emphasizing that the measure was taken as a precaution to prioritize the safety and security of both students and staff.
Contrary to widespread belief regarding tuition hikes, the management clarified that tuition remains free. Adegbenro Adebanjo stated, “It is important to say that tuition is free and no money is being charged as a tuition fee.”
He further explained that the adjustments were aimed at covering certain consumables and payments for municipal services, including electricity, water, hostel maintenance, cleaning, and other miscellaneous services. The rising costs associated with providing these essential services prompted the institution to implement new charges.
Adegbenro Adebanjo continued, “The costs of providing the services have shot up, and the new charges are in response to this.”
Additionally, he highlighted that economic realities necessitated adjustments to other costs, such as medical examinations for all new students, biometric ID cards, and the Tertiary Institutions Students Health Insurance Programme, administered by the National Health Insurance Scheme for students. The final yearbook also saw revisions in its cost structure.
These adjustments, according to the institution, were deemed necessary to navigate the economic challenges faced by the university.
