…Demand immediate reversal
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The National Association of University Students (NAUS), Osun State Campus Monitoring Committee, has condemned the draconian tuition fee hike from N290,000 to N1.5 million at the University of Ilesa.
In a statement signed by the chairman of Campus Monitoring Committee, Osun State chapter, Comrade Popoola Olayinka, and made available to journalists in Osogbo, on Monday, demanded for immediate reversal of tuition fee to previous rates.
Olayinka said that the University of Ilesa, which was formerly the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, was upgraded with the promise of providing affordable higher education to students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
He described the new tuition fee structure as a burden on students and parents, threatening their educational aspirations.
According to the statement, “The National Association of University Students (NAUS), Osun State Campus Monitoring Committee, under the leadership of Comr. Popoola Olayinka (aka Itesiwaju), unequivocally condemns the recent draconian hike in tuition fees at the University of Ilesa, Osun State.
”This unwarranted increase is a direct contradiction of the governor’s prior commitments to ensuring accessible and affordable quality education for the citizens of Osun State.
“The University of Ilesa, which was formerly the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, was upgraded with the promise of providing affordable higher education to students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This sudden and severe fee hike is a betrayal of the trust placed in the state government by the students and the broader Osun populace. At a time when citizens are already grappling with economic challenges such as high inflation rates, currency devaluation, and widespread unemployment, this decision only exacerbates their suffering.
“We demand; immediate reversal of the exorbitant tuition fees to the previous rates. Adequate Funding for the University of Ilesa to ensure it can deliver on its mandate without financially overburdening students. Transparency in financial management, the university should publish a detailed breakdown of its budget to justify any future adjustments to fees.”