OAU Students Union Reject Proposed Fee Hike

The leadership of the Students' Union at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has strongly rejected the proposed increases in tuition and accommodation fees recently announced by the university’s management. In a statement jointly signed by the President, Omoboriowo Isaac, and Secretary-General, Babatimehin Kinfeosi, the union described the fee hikes as drastic and unacceptable.

Following an emergency meeting with the school management, the students' union revealed that the university administration is proposing a 50% increase in sundry charges, alongside a 100% hike in accommodation fees. The union maintains that these increments are excessive and unjust for students, especially during challenging economic times.

"We vehemently oppose this drastic and rash increment in fees," the statement reads. "As a united union, we prioritize the interests of all students and are committed to protecting their well-being." The student leaders assured the university community that they are actively engaging with the management to ensure the proposed fee hikes do not materialize.

The union emphasized its determination to stand against any form of exploitation or unfair treatment of "Great Ife" students, reiterating its call for a total reversal of the decision. "We are exploring all measures to make sure our interests stand. We reiterate our stance against any form of exploitation or unfair treatment of Great Ife students, and we will continue to advocate for a total reversal of this decision," the statement added.

Obafemi Awolowo University is the latest institution to join a growing list of universities in Nigeria proposing or implementing fee hikes, sparking nationwide concerns over the affordability of tertiary education in the country. In recent months, several public universities have announced increases in various charges, citing inflation and the escalating costs of maintaining facilities.

Earlier this year, students of the University of Ibadan (UI) staged protests after the institution announced fee increments for new students, with charges jumping over 1,000%. Previously, fresh students paid between N20,000 and N30,000, but the new fees ranged from N203,000 to N412,000, igniting outrage among the student body. Despite the protests, the university management defended the decision, attributing it to the need for sustainable infrastructure maintenance amid rising costs.