Students at Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu Ode, Ogun, have taken to the university campus to voice their strong opposition to the recently announced school fee increment for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic session, which was reflected on the student portal.
Reports from PUNCH Metro reveal that the university’s management raised the school fees for educational courses from N76,500 to N230,000 for new students and from N76,500 to N180,000 for returning students.
Similarly, the fees for students studying pure courses were raised from N80,500 and N90,500 to N240,000 for fresh students and from N80,500 and N90,500 to N190,000 for returning students.
This surge in fees has sparked significant concerns among students, resulting in a large-scale protest.
Students have taken to the streets, holding placards and leaf stems, and assembling at various locations on campus, including the Main Gate, the University Academic Building, and the Directorate of Students’ Affairs Building. Their aim is to vociferously express their disapproval of the proposed tuition fee increase.
They voiced strong criticism against the university’s management, describing the decision as inhumane.
They argue that the management failed to consider the current economic situation in the country and the potential consequences of their actions.
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A statement released by the Students’ Union highlights their stance: “Our attention has been drawn to the university’s decision to increase our school fees on the portal. We firmly believe that this fee increment is unjust and places an unnecessary burden on students.
“Education is a right, and it should be accessible to all. We want to assure you that we are actively working to address this issue. We will engage in communication with the university management to express our concerns and negotiate for a fair and affordable education.”
Akinjetan Emmanuel, the Students’ Union President, emphasized that the protest aims to send a powerful message to the university management.
“We refuse to accept this burden on our shoulders. It is crucial that we continue to raise our voices and make our concerns heard. By participating in the protest, we are advocating for a fair and affordable education,” he added.