Students of Nigeria's premier institution, the University of Ibadan have condemned the planned 750 per cent fees increment for fresh students admitted into the university.
In rejecting the fee hike, a release by Samuel Tobiloba, President, and Olaniyi Dolapo, General Secretary of the Students Union, University of lbadan, requested a meeting with the management to resolve the adjustments.
The Union, through the statement, said it received surprise news of the sudden opening of the portal and increment in fees for the new students.
According to the union, the fees reflecting on the portal ranged from N133,500 to N372.500 aside from the utility and technology levies of N20,000 each student is expected to pay.
“In a bid to clarify these, we reached out to the university management and it was confirmed that the opening of the portal was a demo process in preparation for the commencement of payment and registration processes and there was a plan for the increment of fees ranging from N133.500 to N238,500 aside the utility and technology levies (N80.000 in total).”
The students body also confirmed a plan for a possible upward review of returning students' fees, but said the exact amount could not be ascertained.
“We note with concern that this increment represents about 450%-750% of the previous bundle fee which ranged from about N20,000 – N30,000.
“This is coming at a period when several students are finding it hard to cope with the current fees regime, and increased costs of living in the country.
“The union condemns this increment in strong terms, and requests that this proposed increment be reverted to the status quo.
“We are equally requesting a meeting with the university management towards resolving this issue,” the statement added.
It further requested students by the statement, particularly freshers, to exercise patience while the union works to resolve the increment with the management.
“Further directives on the next step will be provided soon,” the statement added.