University of Ibadan Students Appeal for Public Support Amidst Fee Hike
The break was intended to give students time to pay the increased fees and complete their online registration, postponing the first semester exams to September 23.
Binye-lum 
Undergraduates of the University of Ibadan (UI) are seeking public assistance to cope with a significant increase in school fees. The university's management closed the institution on August 31 following student protests against the fee hike. The break was intended to give students time to pay the increased fees and complete their online registration, postponing the first semester exams to September 23.
The fee increase, which saw tuition rise by over 500% from N30,000 and N60,000 to N230,000 and N412,000, has led to widespread crowdfunding efforts. Various student organizations, including the National Association of Muslim Students (UI Chapter) and the Environmental Design Students, have launched online appeals for donations. They emphasize the financial strain on students and the risk of discontinuing studies due to the hike.
While the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) recently disbursed N201 million to 1,370 students, many applicants are still awaiting loan approvals. UI’s student body has initiated an emergency fundraiser to assist at least 500 students facing potential academic disruption. NELFUND is reportedly negotiating with UI to allow students awaiting loan approval to continue their studies.
