Students at the University of Ibadan have begun another protest following the approval of increased tuition fees by the university’s Governing Council.
The protest started early on Friday, with students going around campus to ensure that no classes were held until the fees are reduced.
The students are upset about the recent decision by the Governing Council to increase tuition fees, which many say have more than doubled.
A student from the Department of Human Nutrition, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed her frustration: “In our department, Human Nutrition, during the 2022/2023 session, we paid N58,000, and now for the 2023/2024 session, we were asked to pay N138,350.”
Another student from the Department of Animal Science shared similar concerns. “In the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, we paid N70,000 for the 2022/2023 session, and now for the 2023/2024 session, it has been increased to N150,000. Most of us have not seen the money. We are yet to pay. The students are protesting now. We cannot attend lectures,” he said.
The fee increase affects all students from 100 to 400 level, and the Governing Council has set a deadline for payment. According to a statement from the institution’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, G.O. Saliu, the decision to increase the fees was made at the inaugural meeting of the Council on Thursday, based on recommendations from the University Senate.
The Council has urged students who have not completed their registration to do so by Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
“Consequently, students who are yet to pay and complete their registration exercises are advised to do so, on or before Wednesday, 04 September 2024, to enable departments download lists of registered students, in preparation for the First Semester Examination,” part of the statement read.
The Council also encouraged students to seek financial aid, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and various scholarships offered by the University and other benefactors, to help those struggling with the new fees.
“Council equally directed that students be encouraged to take advantage of the students’ loan fund and sundry scholarships instituted by the University and other well-meaning philanthropists, to cater for indigent students. Above is for strict adherence as the portal will not be opened after the deadline,” the statement further clarified.
The current protest follows a similar one in July, when students demonstrated against the initial fee increase.
The Governing Council’s recent decision finalizes the previously suspended fee hike and sets the stage for more student unrest as the deadline approaches.
