Monday’s protest against the tuition price increase was organised by students at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State.
Students bemoaned the increase in tuition from N65,000 to N240,000 every semester.
According to information obtained, new students must pay N240,000 in addition to other fees, while returning students who had anticipated paying N65,000 would now pay N180,000.
As part of their protest, the students marched on Monday to voice their grievances to the administration.
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The students led a march around the university’s grounds, shouting, “We no go gree, we no go pay.”
It is the responsibility of the Students Union Government, or SUG, to represent the interests of the student body, according to a statement made by SUG President Hammed Akinjetan.
“Our strong conviction is that this increase in fees is unfair and adds needless stress to students,” he stated.
In addition to reassuring fellow students that “we are actively working to address this issue,” he stressed that education is a right and should be available to all.
We shall communicate with the university administration to voice our concerns and bargain for an equitable and reasonably priced education, the statement, which was also signed by Olawale Olanrewaju, the public relations officer, said.
We urge everyone of you to unite and reject this fee increase in the meanwhile. To make our concerns heard, we need to speak with one powerful, united voice.
There will inevitably be a fee increase—TASUED
Nonetheless, according to the university, the tuition increase is a common occurrence across the country.
In an interview with OBASANJO NEWS24, Chief Dapo Oke, the TASUED Registrar, said.
Our students staged a nonviolent demonstration. The management of the university has been notified of their complaints, which we have also received. We have requested that they take their grievances to their union representatives, as it is the proper channel for them to go. They will get an invitation to participate in any required consultations.
“Which state university in the whole South West charges only N100,000? Some secondary school students pay N100,000 per term, with three terms in a year, and that is what we have been collecting—N65,000. However, the cost for a full year for our university students is as little as N65,000. Does it cover the cost of fuel for a 24-hour diesel run, the purchase of lab equipment, and staff salaries?
The increase was necessary due to these challenges, and we addressed it with the Students Union Government before moving forward. We made them aware of the increase, but they would undoubtedly continue to voice their concerns. Their grievances will be heard, and the government will be notified. Eventually, we’ll reach a decision,” he stated.
Comparing TASUED’s academic offerings to those of other institutions, Oke argued that the university could not afford to offer subpar courses.
Therefore, economic fees are required. In light of the current market dynamics, the prices we have set are the absolute least that is realistic,” he continued.
The protest had no bearing on the current exam, according to Oke, who praised the students for their nonviolent protest.
In his words, during consultations, the kids’ demonstrated degree of maturity will be taken into account.
