September 01, (THEWILL) – The University of Ibadan has sent its students home after a one- day protest over increased school fees on Wednesday.
In a statement, Registrar, G.O Salau, said; “Following the meeting of University Management with the leadership of the Students Union on Friday, August 30, the Vice- Chancellor, on behalf of Senate, has approved three weeks break for students of the University of Ibadan, with effect from Saturday, 31, August, 2024 to 20 September, 2024. The hostels will be reopened for students from 12 noon on Friday 20 September, 2024.
He said the three weeks will give students ample time to complete their online registration as the first semester examination will start on Monday, September 23, 2024.
“Students who do not register will not be allowed to write the examinations.” He added.
Students of the University of Ibadan (UI) had staged a protest against the school fee increment approved by the governing council of the institution.
During the protest which lasted between 10:20 pm on Thursday and 2 am on Friday, the President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Bolaji Awed; Vice President, Bolutife Aboderin, and Secretary, Daniel Elemide, who spoke on behalf of the students, demanded immediate reversal of the increase.
“We reject the decision made by the council. We are embarking on a boycott of classes until our demands are fulfilled. We demand a reversal of the increase. The students demand that the school fees portal should be shut down within 24 hours until our demands are met,” they said.
The union leaders urged students to make use of social media platforms to mobilise others using the hashtags #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES until their demands are met.
The governing council of the university, on Thursday, approved the increase in tuition fees from 100 to 400 levels and also fixed the deadline for payment.
An earlier statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the council advised students who are yet to complete their registration to do so on or before September 4.
“Consequently, students who are yet to pay and complete their registration exercises are advised to do so, on or before Sept. 4, to enable departments download lists of registered students in preparation for the First Semester Examination.
“Council equally directed that students be encouraged to take advantage of the students’ loan fund (NELFUND) and sundry scholarships instituted by the University and other well-meaning philanthropists to cater for indigent students. Above is for strict adherence as the portal will not be opened after the deadline.”
