The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the University of Ibadan's recent tuition fee hike, labeling it "oppressive" and "anti-students."
Following student protests, the university directed students to take a three-week break starting from Saturday, August 31, to Friday, September 20, 2024, after a series of protests by the student. NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, criticized the institutions Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, for disregarding students' concerns and inflicting hardship on thousands in a statement released on Wednesday in Ibadan.
“The Vice-Chancellor’s lack of regard for students’ welfare is glaring in the way he chose to hike fees without addressing the genuine concerns raised by the Students Union. Instead of engaging with the students, he took the cowardly step of sending them home for three weeks,” he said.
Babatunde described the forced closure as an attempt to silence students and undermine their fight against unjust policies. NANS praised efforts by the Students Union and NELFUND, which provided financial support to struggling students. The association demands swift government intervention to end UI's "oppressive" policies, prioritizing students' interests over personal gains.
He described the forced closure as a calculated attempt to silence the students and weaken the union’s fight against what they perceived as unjust policies.
“Since Professor Adebowale assumed office, life has become unbearable for students. His refusal to extend the deadline for tuition payment, despite multiple pleas from the Students Union, shows he is uninterested in the academic future or welfare of the students,” the NANS Senate President added.
Babatunde stressed that the interests of the students must be prioritized over the personal gains of any Vice-Chancellor, vowing that Nigerian students would not relent until justice is served.
Niger Delta Connect had earlier reported that the university management recently announced the hike of school by 500%, the school fees range from N230,000 to N412,000 which prompted students appeal to the public in a memo jointly signed by UISU’s president, Bolaji Aweda, and the Public Relations Officer, Omotayo Olumide.
Part of the memo titled “APPEAL FOR SUPPORT!!!” reads; “The recent hike in school fees at the University of Ibadan has left many students struggling to continue their education. For some, the dream of a better future now seems out of reach. But with your help, we can change that. The Student’s Union is contacting the public for support to ensure that no student is forced to drop out due to financial hardship. No matter how small, every contribution can make a life-changing difference.”
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