By Aanuoluwapo Akande
In a revealing article by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Ruth (not her real name), a freshman, recounted her parents' initial disbelief upon hearing about the fee hike at the University of Ibadan (UI). They, like many others, thought the news was a joke.
The disbelief wasn't limited to Ruth's parents. Both the UI students' union and the student body found the proposed increment absurd. Around April 10, reports of fee hikes left many freshers and returning students stunned. Was it a joke or a reality? This question loomed as the nation grappled with a surge in fuel prices and a rising cost of living, following the president's removal of fuel subsidies.
The fee hike seemed more plausible when, on April 11, the student union released a press statement signed by President Samson Tobiloba, former president of the university’s student union, and General Secretary Olaniyi Sodeeq Dolapo. They revealed that the management was considering an increase in fees from ₦133,500 to ₦500,000, excluding additional technology and utility levies of ₦40,000.
Faced with this, the student union called a congress to strategize. The response from students was lacklustre at first. Grace, a 200-level pharmacy student, expressed her disappointment at the low turnout, suggesting that many students were either in denial or indifferent to the proposed hike.
At the congress, several resolutions were passed. It was decided that the upcoming student union elections be postponed until the fee issue was resolved. Three key actions were planned:
-An online campaign to raise global awareness.
-A social media campaign, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).
-Sensitization, mobilization, and coordination of protests against the fee hike.
To execute these plans, an action committee headed by Aduwo Ayodele was formed. Freshmen were advised not to pay any fees until further notice.
Despite these efforts, both student and union responses have been tepid. The Union's Executive Council's decision to "modify" the action committee's duties led to accusations of breaching Congress's authority and the Student Union Constitution. This dissatisfaction resulted in the resignation of three committee members on April 30, shortly after the committee was formed.
The student's lack of enthusiasm in protesting the hike and the underwhelming efforts of the student leaders have been concerning. Meetings between stakeholders and the school management have failed to halt the fee increase, which the administration justifies as necessary due to economic challenges.
Historically, fee increases at UI have not translated into tangible improvements. About four sessions ago, accommodation fees doubled from ₦15,000 to ₦30,000 without corresponding upgrades in hostel infrastructure. Such precedents may explain the current apathy among students, as previous fee hike attempts have often fizzled out, particularly after federal government interventions.
In 2023, federal universities, including UI, planned to increase fees but were thwarted by the federal government's dismissal of these hikes. This past experience has led some to believe that the current fee hike might similarly fail to materialize.
Adding to the tension, the arrest of four students, including Aduwo Ayodele, during a peaceful protest against the fee hike by the university's security unit, Abefele, has raised serious concerns about the university's respect for student voices and democratic protest. However, this notion has been dispelled by the VC who averred that the University is a democratic setting and as such there is leeway for students to stage peaceful protests.
With a new student union leadership in place, there is a glimmer of hope. The new UI SU president allegedly urged freshers not to pay their fees yet, expressing optimism that ongoing negotiations will yield positive outcomes.
All eyes are now on the new administration to see if they can succeed where the previous one fell short. Will they manage to reverse the fee hike and address the students' demands? The university community awaits the outcome with bated breath.\
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