Uncertainty Looms as University of Ibadan Closes Fee Payment Portal on Friday
The University of Ibadan (UI) is set to close its fee payment portal on Friday, creating uncertainty for many students. Following a protest over increased school fees, the university had earlier mandated a three-week break, resuming on September 20, with students required to show proof of registration to access housing and participate in exams starting September 23.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The University of Ibadan (UI) is facing a significant crisis as its fee payment portal is set to close this Friday, leaving thousands of students in a state of uncertainty. This deadline comes on the heels of a recent protest over increased school fees, which prompted the university's management to temporarily close the institution and mandate a three-week break, resuming on September 20.
Students must provide proof of registration before gaining access to university residence halls. Failure to meet this requirement will result in exclusion from the first-semester examinations, slated to commence on September 23.
In response to the looming deadline, UI students have intensified efforts to secure funding through crowdfunding initiatives. Various student bodies and departmental associations have launched campaigns to appeal for donations ranging from N1,000 to N5,000. The goal is to raise enough funds to cover tuition fees and prevent students from dropping out.
Campaign materials include e-flyers and social media posts urging public support. For instance, appeals have been made to aid medical students, pharmacy students, and future educators by covering part of their tuition fees, which have recently surged to approximately N150,000 from the previous range of N50,000 to N60,000.
Comments on social media reflect widespread concern about the financial strain on students. Notable posts include reactions from Jaynett (@adeewunmii), who criticized the situation as a reflection of Nigeria's broader economic challenges, and OPC Esq (@PeterColeOnele), who lamented the harsh financial conditions imposed on students.
The Council of Departmental Presidents at UI has issued an open letter to the university's Vice-Chancellor, requesting an extension of the payment deadline and permission for students to sit for the General Studies examination even if they have not yet paid their fees. The letter, signed by Chairperson Iyun Olalekan and other council members, cites ongoing financial difficulties and delays in NELFUND student loan approvals as exacerbating factors.
