The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) branch at the University of Ibadan has strongly opposed the recent increment in school fees for new students at the institution.
For the 2023/2024 academic session, the new fees for incoming students range from N230,000 to N412,000, depending on the courses they are enrolled in.
This marks a significant hike of 453% to 750% compared to the fees charged in the previous academic session, which ranged from N64,600 to N69,600.
In response to this fee increase, the ERC has condemned the decision, labeling it as callous, unjustifiable, and detrimental to the less privileged.
According to a statement signed by ERC Coordinator Akin Paul, the group expressed concerns that the higher fees would exacerbate the financial burden on the parents and guardians of the students.
ERC also criticized the lack of tangible improvements in the students’ learning and living conditions despite previous fee hikes made by the university administrations.
The group highlighted the challenging economic situation in the country, referring to the rising living costs, fuel price hikes, and other economic policies affecting the working class.
ERC questioned the moral authority of the current university administration, led by Prof Adebowale, to impose another round of fee hikes without demonstrating significant enhancements resulting from past increases.
The group faulted the student union executive, led by Mr. Tobiloba, for arranging a meeting with the university administration without first convening a broader student gathering, such as a Congress of the students, to address the fee hike issue collectively.
ERC emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making processes involving the student body to seek agreements on how to address fee adjustments.