Students at the University of Ibadan have launched a fresh protest against a recent increase in tuition fees, which has led them to threaten a boycott of lectures.
The demonstration, which began early Friday morning, saw students actively enforcing a halt to classes until the fees are lowered.
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The protest follows the Governing Council’s approval of a significant fee hike, which has stirred dissatisfaction among the student body. According to sources, the new fee structure has raised tuition by over 100 percent in some departments.
A student from the Department of Human Nutrition, who requested anonymity out of concern for retaliation, expressed frustration over the increase. “In our department, Human Nutrition, during the 2022/2023 session, we paid N58,000, and now for the 2023/2024 session, we were asked to pay N138,350,” the student said.
Similarly, a student from the Department of Animal Science reported that fees in their department have also surged. “In the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, we paid N70,000 for the 2022/2023 session, and now for the 2023/2024 session, it has been increased to N150,000. Most of us have not seen the money. We are yet to pay. The students are protesting now. We cannot attend lectures,” he said.
The Governing Council’s decision, confirmed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, G.O. Saliu, came after a meeting on Thursday. The new fee structure, recommended by the University Senate, applies to students from 100 to 400 levels, with a payment deadline set for September 4, 2024.
Students who have not yet completed their registration are advised to do so by the deadline to allow departments to prepare for the First Semester Examination. The Council also encouraged students to seek financial aid through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and other scholarships.
No extensions to the registration deadline will be granted, as the portal will close after the specified date. The decision to increase fees follows a suspension of the previous payment deadline, which was delayed due to a protest in July.
