Some undergraduates of the University of Ibadan (UI) are reaching out to Nigerians for assistance to pay their newly increased school fees. The management of the university shut down and suspended academic activities on August 31, following protests over the significant fee increment.
The three-week break was intended to give students time to pay their fees and complete online registration. The first-semester examination has now been postponed to September 23.
A massive crowdfunding campaign has been launched by various student bodies, with the National Association of Muslim Students (UI Chapter) initiating an emergency appeal for funds. In a memo signed by the University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UISU) president, Bolaji Aweda, and Public Relations Officer, Omotayo Olumide, the student union appealed to the public for ₦50 million to pay the fees of 500 students by September 20, 2024.
The memo, titled “APPEAL FOR SUPPORT!!!”, explained, “The recent hike in school fees at the University of Ibadan has left many students struggling to continue their education. For some, the dream of a better future now seems out of reach. But with your help, we can change that. The Students’ Union is reaching out to the public for support to ensure that no student is forced to drop out due to financial hardship. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a life-changing difference.”
Additionally, students from the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPEUI) have also launched crowdfunding campaigns, seeking donations to support students who are struggling to meet the new tuition fees. These fees have been increased by over 500%, with amounts rising from ₦30,000 and ₦60,000 to ₦230,000 and ₦412,000, respectively.
Despite the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which disbursed ₦201 million in loans last month to assist 1,370 students, many are still waiting for loan approvals. With the September 20 deadline fast approaching, UI’s student body is continuing its efforts to raise funds for at least 500 vulnerable students who risk losing the academic session.
Negotiations are reportedly ongoing between NELFUND and UI’s management to allow students awaiting loan approval to remain in school pending the disbursement of funds. However, the delays have left many students scrambling to find alternative solutions.
