Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union Rejects Hike In Tuition Fees, Demands Immediate Reversal

SaharaReporters reported on Wednesday that the university management announced an increment in its tuition fees.

The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Southwest Nigeria has rejected the increment of tuition fees by the school management.

SaharaReporters reported on Wednesday that the university management announced an increment in its tuition fees.

Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University Increases Tuition Fees | Sahara Reporters https://t.co/VkWNZ21Y1A pic.twitter.com/L7wDQnCMm9

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) September 13, 2023

The new fees were disclosed in a statement released by the school authorities in a post made on X, formerly Twitter amid rising inflation and hikes in petrol prices following the removal of fuel subsidy in the country.

The new fees range from N89,000 to N190,000 depending on the courses and the academic level of the students.

Returning students previously paid between N19,000 and N31,000 while fresh students paid between N70,000 and N100,000 depending on their course of study.

In response to the announcement, students’ leaders issued a press statement jointly signed by the president, Abbas Akinremi Ojo, and the general secretary, Akinboni Opeyemi, saying that management should not be permitted to reflect the new increment on the students’ portal under any condition.

The statement reads: “The leadership of the Great Ife Students Union conveyed a stakeholders’ meeting today 13th, September 2023 which was held at the SUB conference room.

“The stakeholders meeting was to address the increment of sundry charges introduced by the University management at the senate meeting that was held yesterday

“In attendance were 80 students’ leaders which included the Central Executive Council, the leadership of the SRC, Hall Chairpersons, Faculty presidents and Speakers, Departmental

“Presidents and Speakers, Presidents of Indigenous Associations, Ameer of MSSN and the ACJ President.

“The meeting resolved that: There should be a total reversal of the approved increment by the school management

“On no account should any student pay the proposed school charges even if the payment portal is activated.

“A X (Twitter) Space should hold tonight to get further opinions from union members. The space will hold by 9pm.

“The meeting also agreed that a physical congress should be called and should hold tomorrow. Details will be communicated in our subsequent release.”