Abdullahi Taiwo
Students at the University of Ibadan (UI) have been on a compulsory break since August 31, 2024, following a disagreement with the school management over a significant increase in tuition fees. The three-week break is scheduled to end on September 20, 2024, but there’s still no resolution in sight.
On August 30, the Student Union President, Aweda Bolaji, along with some Executives met with the Vice Chancellor, to discuss a potential compromise involving a reduced fee. The meeting resulted in an extension of the fee payment deadline to three weeks. However, the student protesters rejected the agreement, demanding a direct meeting with the Vice Chancellor to advocate for a fee reduction rather than an extension.
Despite the school management’s release of a memo on August 31, 2024, ordering all students to vacate their hostels by 2 PM, the protests continued. Two of the protesters, Aduwo Ayodele and a guy from CLA, were arrested and taken to a police station. The school announced a resumption date of September 20, 2024, with exams beginning on September 23, 2024. The deadline for fee payment and registration was also set for September 20.
As the deadline approaches, many students remain unable to pay their fees. The Student Union, along with various departments, faculties, clubs, and organizations, have launched fundraising efforts to support indigent students. Individuals have also been circulating broadcast messages and flyers to seek financial assistance.
On September 13, 2024, the school management released another memo stating that students without printed registration would be denied entry to their halls. Registration is dependent on fee payment, a challenge for many students. Meanwhile, department and faculty presidents have written an open letter to the Vice Chancellor pleading for an extension of the fee payment deadline. Additionally, the Concerned Students Against Tuition Fee (CSATF) group has announced plans for further mass demonstrations against the fee hike.
The situation remains tense as the students and the school management continue to clash over the tuition fee increase. It remains unclear whether a resolution can be reached before the September 20 deadline.
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