The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized the University of Ibadan (UI) for its recent tuition fee hike, labeling the decision as oppressive and anti-student. In response, NANS is urging the Federal Government and relevant authorities to step in and address the financial strain imposed on students.

UI’s Response to Student Protests

Following widespread protests against the fee hike, UI’s management instructed students to take a three-week break from August 31 to September 20, 2024. However, the student body sees this move as an attempt to suppress their voices and weaken their collective efforts to oppose the policy.

NANS Senate President’s Statement

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, sharply criticized UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, for his refusal to consider the concerns raised by students. Babatunde stated, “The Vice-Chancellor’s lack of regard for students’ welfare is evident in his decision to increase fees without engaging with the Students Union. Instead, he cowardly sent students home for three weeks.”

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Babatunde accused the UI administration of deliberately avoiding dialogue and neglecting the hardships that thousands of students face due to the steep tuition hike.

Support Initiatives and Continued Fight

Despite the challenges, Babatunde acknowledged the efforts of the Students Union and NELFUND, an initiative providing financial aid to students unable to meet the new fees. He emphasized that without such support, many students would be forced to drop out, highlighting the severe impact of the fee increase.

NANS remains firm in its demand for the Federal Government’s swift intervention, condemning the UI management’s policies as unjust and oppressive. Babatunde vowed that Nigerian students would continue to fight until their rights are upheld and the fee hike is reversed.