ERC Vows to Sustain Protests Against University of Ibadan Fee Hike

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has reaffirmed its commitment to opposing the recent tuition fee hike at the University of Ibadan, vowing to continue organizing peaceful protests by Nigerian students.

May 14, 2024 - 11:53

ERC Vows to Sustain Protests Against University of Ibadan Fee Hike

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has pledged to continue its opposition to the recent fee hike at the University of Ibadan, calling for peaceful mass actions by Nigerian students.

Following the release of four student activists, including Femi Adeyeye, who were arrested on Monday by the police at the behest of the Prof Adebowale-led administration of the University of Ibadan (UI), the ERC condemned their arrest as an infringement of their rights to freedom of expression.

The activists were detained by the university's security team during a protest against the tuition fee hike and subsequently handed over to Operation Burst soldiers in Oyo State. Despite facing assault and intimidation tactics, the student activists remained resolute in their opposition to the fee hike.

SEE MORE: UI Security Detains Activist and Students Amidst Tuition Fee Hike Protests

The ERC emphasized that the increase in school fees constitutes an attack on students' right to education and affirmed its commitment to supporting genuine efforts to resist and defeat such measures. The group called on the newly elected students' union leadership to organize mass resistance against any form of fee hike through democratic means.

In conclusion, the ERC commended the courage and determination of the arrested student activists and reiterated its support for students' rights to affordable education and improved living conditions within the university.

The ERC's stance underscores the ongoing struggle against unjust fee hikes in Nigerian universities and highlights the importance of collective action in advocating for accessible education.