The University of Ibadan (UI) has been making headlines since the early hours of the morning as its students are scrambling to meet a shocking deadline set by the university administration.
In a memo released on September 13, 2024, the administration stated that student must pay their newly increased tuition fees by September 20, or miss their upcoming exams scheduled to start on Monday, September 23, 2024.
This ultimatum was received with shock by the student body, prompting them to turn to social media and crowdfunding platforms for financial support. The tuition hike has reportedly been increased by 500% with some students now facing tuition fees as high as ₦412,000.
This increased rate has left many undergraduates in jeopardy as some even consider dropping out. Responding to this crisis, numerous student groups have begun appeals to the general public for donations across all social platforms.
Furthermore, four days after the memo was issued, the Council of Departmental Presidents at UI penned an open letter to the Vice-Chancellor, penned an open letter to the Vice-Chancellor, pleading for an extension of the deadline and permission for students to sit for their General Education Studies (GES) exams.
The intention of this letter showcase the desperation the council felt at the possibility of the student being forced to abandon their studies due to financial challenges.
This situation at UI symbolizes the problem that faces Nigeria’s educational system, where inflation, rising costs, and economic difficulties are dangerously threatening Nigerian’s access to quality education.
Although the university management has urged her students to make use of scholarship options and student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), however, numerous applicants are yet to receive approval.
As the deadline moves closer, everyone is watching closely. Will the university heed the students’ pleas for more time? Or will young dreams be dashed due to financial roadblocks? One thing is clear: the fight for affordable and quality education continues, and every voice needs to be raised as we call for action.
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