On Friday, the Students’ Union of the University of Ibadan (UI) rejected the recent increase in school fees approved by the institution’s governing council. The students organized an overnight protest from 10:20 pm to 2 am to demonstrate their discontent.
Union leaders, including President Bolaji Aweda, Vice-President Bolutife Aboderin, and Secretary Daniel Elemide, issued a statement denouncing the fee hike and announced a boycott of classes until their demands are met. They are calling for a reversal of the fee increase and the temporary shutdown of the school’s fee portal.
Students have been encouraged to use social media platforms, under hashtags #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES, to mobilize support and pressure the administration into meeting their demands.
The university’s governing council approved the fee increase on Thursday, affecting students from 100 to 400 level, and set a payment deadline. The Registrar, G.O. Saliu, stated that students must complete their registration by September 4 to allow departments to prepare for the First Semester Examination.
Students were advised to utilize financial aid options, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and various scholarships, to help cover the increased fees. The council emphasized that there would be no extension of the registration deadline and the portal would close after the specified date.
Previously, the deadline for fee payment was suspended following a July protest.