Students at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State have taken to the streets in a fierce protest against the university’s recent decision to significantly increase school fees for the 2023/2024 academic session. The fee hike, which sees charges jump from N230,000 to N412,000, has sparked widespread outrage among the student body.
The protest began on August 29, 2024, and continued through the night until early morning. Students gathered from 10:20 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. to voice their discontent. The demonstration culminated in a formal statement from the Students’ Union, signed by Union President Aweda Bolaji and issued through General Secretary Ogundijo Dolapo Japheth.
The statement reads, “We reject the decision made by the governing council.” In response to the fee increase, the students have called for a complete boycott of classes until their demands are met. They are urging the university administration to reverse the fee hike and shut down the school fees portal within 24 hours.
The protest has been amplified through social media, with students using hashtags #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES to rally support. The Students’ Union has mobilized its resources for ongoing demonstrations, which are set to start at 5:00 a.m. on Friday.
In a circular issued on August 30, 2024, the university’s governing council, through its secretary G.O. Saliu, justified the fee increase. The circular announced that the revised schedule of levies had been approved following a meeting and was recommended by the university Senate. It also advised students to complete their payment and registration by September 4, 2024, to facilitate the preparation of lists for the first semester examinations.
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The council defended the fee hike by citing current economic conditions and suggested that students explore the Federal Government’s student loan fund and available scholarships from the university and philanthropists as financial aids.
The fee increase has been met with strong resistance, as students’ express concerns over the financial burden and potential impact on their education. The protest underscores the growing tension between students and university administration regarding affordability and accessibility in higher education.
The university administration faces a challenge in addressing the concerns of the students while managing economic constraints.
The outcome of this protest may influence future policies and the relationship between students and the university. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the university’s response to the students’ demands and the effectiveness of the planned boycott and mobilization efforts.
