Students Rally Against Fee Increases
On Friday, students of the University of Ibadan in Oyo State took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration against recent tuition hikes implemented by the university management. Bearing placards with messages like “We Say No Tuition Hikes” and “Our Parents Cannot Afford the New Hikes,” the protesters made their discontent clear.
Disruption at University Gates
The protest caused a blockade of the main campus roads, forcing many to walk long distances to reach their destinations. This disruption showcased the students’ resolve to draw attention to their concerns. Their action significantly interrupted the usual campus activities. The students’ determination to make their grievances known was evident in the extent of the disruption. This move highlighted their commitment to pressing for changes in tuition fees.
Economic Pressures Cited
During the demonstration, students voiced their concerns about the rising costs, emphasizing how the current economic climate makes the fee increases even more burdensome. The governing council had approved the new fees just the day before, adding to the students’ grievances.
Calls for Management to Reconsider
The protesting students have declared that academic activities will remain suspended until the university management reconsiders its decision on the fee hikes. This stand-off puts additional pressure on the university authorities to engage with student representatives to find a resolution.
Student Testimonies Highlight the Strain
A student from the Department of Human Nutrition shared that the fee for the upcoming academic session had almost tripled, jumping from N58,000 to N138,350. Similarly, a student from the Department of Animal Science reported a more than doubling of fees, stressing the financial challenges many students now face.
Continued Advocacy Amidst Academic Uncertainty
With many students unable to afford the new fees, the atmosphere on campus remains tense. The university community watches closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a compromise that will allow academic progress to resume without further disruption.
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