Students at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State have launched a new protest against a recent increase in school fees. The revised fees have risen from N230,000 to N412,000, sparking significant student discontent.
The demonstration, which began early on Friday, follows a similar protest in May over fee hikes. The unrest was said to have been triggered by a circular issued on Thursday by the Council’s Secretary, G.O. Saliu.
The University issued a circular announcing a revised fee schedule for both newly admitted and returning undergraduates for the 2023/2024 academic session, as recommended by the university Senate.
In response, the university council defended the fee hike, attributing it to challenging economic conditions. The school management has advised students to utilize the Federal Government’s student loan program and seek available scholarships from the university and various philanthropic organizations to ease the financial burden.
However, Bolaji Aweda, the president of the UI student union, said the student community are rejecting the new rates.
“We demand a reversal of the increase. We are embarking on a boycott of classes until our demands are fulfilled,” he said.
“The students demand that the school fees portal should be shut down within 24 hours until our demands are met.”
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