UNIBADAN Students’ Union rejects fee hike, calls for reversal

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Students’ Union (SU) of the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, has taken a firm stance against the recent fee hike announced by the institution’s management, insisting on a complete reversal of the decision.

In a statement released on Sunday by the SU President, Samuel Tobiloba, and Secretary, Olaniyi Dolapo, the union vehemently opposes the significant increase in fees for fresh students, which reportedly exceeds 1,000 per cent, as indicated by a campus-based publication.

The union has not only expressed its dissatisfaction with the fee hike but has also formally written to the university management.

Their letter requests the suspension of payments and registration for fresh students, along with a demand for a meeting with the authorities.

The purpose of the meeting is to gain clarity on the situation, particularly regarding the fees for returning students, and to explore avenues for a peaceful resolution.

UI, celebrated for its academic prowess, is currently embroiled in controversy as students representatives vehemently oppose the recently announced fee hike for fresh students. Prior to the latest adjustments, fees for new entrants ranged from N20,000 to N30,000, as reported by the student union.

However, the latest increments have skyrocketed, with fees now ranging from N203,000 to N412,000, representing a substantial financial burden on incoming students.

Despite attempts to get a response from the university authorities, including messages sent to the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Joke Akinpelu, there has been no official statement at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to mount as student representatives stand firm against the fee hike, expressing readiness to explore all available avenues to ensure their demands are met.

“The Student Representative Council (SC) equally held an emergency sitting, and the resolution of the sitting is as earlier circulated by the council’s leadership,” it said.

“Our union’s position on increment in fees, especially at this hard time, remains the same (NO TO FEE INCREMENT),” it said.