The students of the University of Ibadan (UI), on Friday, August 30, 2024, came out in large number to protest and reject school fees increment approved by the institution’s governing council.
The protest, which started overnight from Thursday around 10:20 pm was a reaction to the approval by the governing council, conveyed in a notice dated August 29, 2024, signed by the School Registrar, stating that the University of Ibadan Governing Council has approved the reviewed levies for new and returning students for the 2023/2024 session, following recommendations from the University Senate.
It read in part that “students who have yet to pay and complete their registration are advised to do so by Wednesday, September 4, 2024, to enable departments to prepare for the first semester exams”.
The Council expressed sympathy with the students but emphasized that the review was necessary due to current economic conditions. It also encouraged students to take advantage of available student loan funds and scholarships provided by the University and various philanthropists.
.The President of the union, Bolaji Aweda; Vice-President, Bolutife Aboderin, and Secretary, Daniel Elemide in a statement, rejected the new fees:
“We reject the decision made by the council. We are embarking on a boycott of classes until our demands are fulfilled.
“We demand a reversal of the increase. The students demand that the school fees portal should be shut down within 24 hours until our demands were met,” they said.
The union leaders urged students to use social media platforms to mobilise others on the #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES until their demands are met.
They further stated that the Student Union has made Union resources available for mobilisation for continuation of the protest.
The first semester examinations were to commence on Monday, September 2, 2024, with GES courses. It is not sure whether the examination will be able to start with the situation on ground today.
