FUTA Postpones Resumption Indefinitely Amid Fee Hike Controversy
Adebanjo clarified that the registration and payment of fees for returning students, originally scheduled to commence on Monday, have been put on hold. He refuted claims of a tuition fee hike, stating that tuition remains free for all students.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has indefinitely postponed the resumption of students for the 2023/2024 academic session, as announced by the institution's management. In a statement issued on Monday, Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo, the Director of Corporate Communication, directed all students currently on campus and in university hostels to vacate within 24 hours.
Adebanjo clarified that the registration and payment of fees for returning students, originally scheduled to commence on Monday, have been put on hold. He refuted claims of a tuition fee hike, stating that tuition remains free for all students.
The spokesman explained that the proposed new fees and charges are mainly for student-related services, impacted by the costs of goods and services in the economy. These services include medical examination for new students, biometric identity cards, Tertiary Institutions’ Students Health Insurance Programme, and final year books.
Addressing a peaceful protest by students, the President of FUTA Student Union Government, Mr Oluwasoromidayo Olayemi, urged the management to revert to the old school fees. Allegations from the students suggest an increase in fees for new students to over N200,000, and returning students paying N35,000 facing a hike to at least N130,000 depending on their academic program.
The university management reassured students that mechanisms are in place to address matters affecting students, including charges and fees. The management emphasized ongoing efforts to achieve consensus on the issue.
