UI students vow to resist ‘any attempt to hike school fees’

The leadership of the students’ union, University of Ibadan, has vowed to resist any attempt to increase the institution’s fees.

In a statement released Monday, the union noted that neither accommodation nor tuition fee should be raised.

“The leadership of the Students’ Union, University of Ibadan, wishes to affirm that we are in the know about the various writings in the University stating “NO TO HIKE IN FEES”, “LET EDUCATION BE AFFORDABLE”, among others. The Union hereby states emphatically that we frown at any attempt to hike fees; whether tuition or accommodation fees.

“Attempt to hike fee(s) will be fully resisted, using all diplomatic and radical measures.

The students’ union also criticised the institution for raising acceptance fee by 50%, describing the move as insensitive.

“The recent increment in acceptance fee by 50%, from N20,000 to N30,000 depicts that the management of the University of Ibadan is insensitive to the economic hardship that has plagued the nation.

“In a time many parents grapple with the basic necessities of life, due to non-payment of several months salaries by state governments and half-payment by the FG, it was only fair that the payment of N20,000 be maintained.

“Our stand as a Union remains that the increment was unjustifiable and inconsiderable to the plight of the common masses.

“We implore the vice-chancellor to ensure his fatherly wisdom and goodwill prevails any advice by high-placed bureaucrats who may want hike of fees in the University.”

Meanwhile, the university spokesperson says there is no information stating that the tuition will be increased.

“I don’t have that information. I’m not aware of any plan to increase school fees. I am not a member of the institution’s senate,” Tunji Oladejo, public relations officer of UI, told TheCable Lifestyle.

“Until the matter is deliberated and approved by the senate, it is not confirmed. It is the senate that regulates all activities in the school.

“Has the student union seen any new fee structure?” he asked.