Students at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State have begun protesting against a recent fee hike endorsed by the university’s governing council. The protest started at midnight on Friday, triggered by a circular issued by the council’s secretary, G.O. Saliu, on Thursday.
The circular stated that the council had approved a reviewed schedule of levies for newly admitted and returning undergraduate students in the 2023/2024 academic session. Students who have not yet paid and completed their registration exercises are advised to do so by September 4, 2024.
The council justified the fee increase by citing prevailing economic conditions and urged students to utilize the Federal Government’s student loan fund and other scholarships offered by the university and various philanthropists to support those in financial need.
Students responded by trooping out of their hostels, chanting solidarity slogans and songs as they marched around campus. Three students faced a disciplinary panel in July for their involvement in a May protest against a fee hike. The National Association of Nigerian Students had also kicked against the “outrageous” fee hike in April, citing financial burdens imposed on families already grappling with economic challenges.
The protest is ongoing, with students demanding a reversal of the fee hike and protesting against the university’s decision to ratify the increase.