The National Association of Nigerian Students has strongly criticized the recent hike in tuition fees at the University of Ibadan, describing the increase as unjust and burdensome for students.
The student body urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to intervene swiftly in what it deemed oppressive policies by the university administration.
According to The PUNCH, in response to widespread protests from students, the UI management directed a three-week suspension of academic activities, effective from Saturday, August 31, to Friday, September 20, 2024.
This move followed student demonstrations opposing the fee increment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan, NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, condemned the actions of UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, for proceeding with the fee hike without addressing the students’ concerns.
Babatunde noted that the decision had caused significant hardship for thousands of students.
“The Vice-Chancellor has shown a blatant disregard for the welfare of the student body by implementing these fee increases without engaging in meaningful dialogue with the Students Union,” Babatunde said. “Instead of finding a solution, he took the cowardly route of sending students home for three weeks.”
He further alleged that the forced break was a calculated attempt by the university management to suppress the students’ protests and weaken their resistance against the new policies.
“Since Professor Adebowale took office, the situation for students has worsened significantly. His refusal to extend the payment deadlines, despite multiple requests from the Students Union, indicates a lack of concern for the academic and financial well-being of the students,” Babatunde added.
Babatunde praised the efforts of the Students Union and the NELFUND initiative, which has been providing financial aid to students struggling with the increased fees.
He acknowledged that without such support, many students would have been forced to drop out due to the overwhelming financial strain.
NANS reiterated its call for urgent government intervention, insisting that the university’s current policies were oppressive.
Babatunde emphasized that the interests of students should take priority over the ambitions of any Vice-Chancellor and vowed that the student body would continue its advocacy until the fee hike is reversed.
