Students at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State have begun a new protest after the university’s governing board approved a recent fee increase.
The demonstrations, which began at midnight on Friday, were reportedly sparked by a circular issued Thursday by the council’s secretary, G.O. Saliu.
The PUNCH acquired the circular, which stated that after a meeting on Thursday, the council “considered the reviewed schedule of levies for newly admitted and returning undergraduate students in the 2023/2024 academic session and approved it as recommended by the university Senate.”
It further stated: “Consequently, students who are yet to pay and complete their registration exercises are advised to do so on or before Wednesday, September 4, 2024, to enable departments to download lists of registered students in preparation for the first semester examination.”
The council justified the fee hike by citing current economic difficulties and urged students to use the Federal Government’s student loan fund, as well as other scholarships granted by the institution and various philanthropists, to assist those in financial need.
According to multiple videos given to our correspondent, students responded by marching across campus in large numbers from their hostels, screaming solidarity slogans and songs.
“You have not paid your school fees, and you’re sleeping?” A student was heard saying.
Three students, Olamide Gbadegeshin from the Institute of African Studies, Aduwo Ayodele from the History Department (200 level), and Nice Linus, were disciplined in July for their participation in a May protest against a fee hike on campus.
In April, the National Association of Nigerian Students protested the “outrageous” fee increase for new UI students, citing financial pressures imposed on families already facing economic challenges.
According to NANS Public Relations Officer Victor Igbudu, the fee rise for the 2023/2024 academic session, which ranged between N230,000 and 412,000, was “unacceptable.”
