A meeting between the Student Union Government and the Management of the University of Ibadan (UI) over the recent hike in school fees ended in a deadlock, suggesting that the institution may soon witness a protest by the students.
It was gathered that the premier university is bringing a new fee regime of between N117,500 and N238,500, including N20,000 for Technology fee and N20,000 for utility charges for new and returning students based on their courses of study.
According to a statement dated May 6, 2024 and signed by the President of the Students Union Government, Samuel Samson Tobiloba and the General Secretary, Olaniyi Sadeeq Dolapo, the school management said the increment was necessitated by the reduction in funding by the Federal Government, recent inflation in the country, the high cost of electricity among others.
The statement titled “Report Of Meeting With The Management Over Hike In Fees”, read:
“The Union met with the University Management today over the recent increment in fees. Our delegation included The Student Union Executives, representatives of the SRC, Representatives of Hall Chairpersons, and Faculty Presidents, and representatives of the UCJ.
“On the management side were the Vice-Chancellor, The Deputy Vice-Chancellors (3), The Registrar. Bursar, Dean of Students, Deputy Dean of Students, Deputy Registrar (Students), the University PRO and other staffs of the office of the Vice-Chancellor.
“The representatives of the union through the President presented the union’s position over the recent increment in fees, and asked that the new fees be reviewed.
“The management in defense of the increment cited the reduction in funding by the Federal Government, recent inflation in the country, the high cost of electricity among others as reasons for the increment.
“It was also revealed that there is a proposed upward review of levies for returning students.
“However, the meeting ended in deadlock as we could not reach an agreement. All previous directives on the struggle remains the same.
“The next line of action will be communicated soon. Till we win.
“Alula Continua!!!”
