We will shut down institution UI students threaten, rejects extension of payment deadline

Students at the University of Ibadan (UI) have pledged to persist with their protest against a recent tuition fee increase imposed by the university administration. They have also rejected the institution’s offer of a three-week extension for fee payment.

The university had raised fees from N230,000 to N412,000, which sparked significant discontent among the student body.

The students have indicated that they will take further action, including potentially shutting down the university, if their demand for a fee reversal is not met.

The governing council had defended the fee hike, attributing it to the current economic conditions in the country, and had suggested that students should consider taking out loans to cover the new costs. The original deadline for fee payment was set for September 5.

In a statement issued on August 30, 2024, by the Students’ Union President Aweda Bolaji and General Secretary Ogundijo Dolapo Japheth, the union firmly rejected the council’s decision.

The statement details that during a protest on August 29, 2024, held from 10:20 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., students collectively decided to oppose the governing council’s decision. They have called for a complete boycott of classes until their demands are met.

The students are insisting on a reversal of the fee increase and have demanded that the fee payment portal be closed within 24 hours until their requests are addressed. They have urged their peers to utilize social media with the hashtags #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES to amplify their message.

Following this protest, the university extended the payment deadline by three weeks after a meeting between the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Omobowale, other senior officials, and student representatives, including Aweda Bolaji. However, the students have rejected this extension, emphasizing that their primary demand remains the reversal of the fee increase, not an extension of the payment deadline.