Nigerian university students are protesting against a recent school fees increase, demanding a reversal. Discover the reasons behind their outrage.
The University of Ibadan (UI) students have displayed significant resistance towards the university governing council’s recent decision to increase school fees.
As an act of disagreement, the Student Union planned and executed a protest that lasted from 10:20 p.m to 2 a.m.
A statement denouncing the fee hike has been issued by union leaders such as President Bolaji Aweda, Vice-President Bolutife Aboderin, and Secretary Daniel Elemide.
A class boycott was initiated by them in addition to their demand for the rollback of increased fees. Along with this, they urged that the school’s fee portal be suspended for a period of 24 hours until their requests are met as well.
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Under the hashtags #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES, students were urged to utilize social media platforms in order to amplify their cause.
At their first meeting on Thursday, the governing council resolved to raise fees for students in levels 100 through 400 and announced a deadline by which payment must be made.
The Registrar of the council, G.O. Saliu has declared that in order for students’ names to be included for the upcoming First Semester Examination, registration must be completed no later than September 4th.
It is recommended that students who have yet to register do so by the deadline, as no extension will be given.
The council emphasized the availability of financial assistance programs, like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and a range of scholarships to provide support for students who require it.
The deadline for fee payment was pushed back initially after a protest in July. However, the latest council announcement states that no more extensions will be given.
