The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denounced the increment in tuition fees at the University of Ibadan.
News About Nigeria reports that NAN labelled the move as “oppressive and anti-students.”
The student body asked the federal government and other stakeholders to immediately intervene in what it describes as an “unjust treatment of students.”
Speaking in a statement on Wednesday, Akinteye Babatunde, Senate President of NANS, faulted the institution’s management.
Babatunde slammed the university vice chancellor for ignoring the students’ concerns over the fee hike, saying the decision has inflicted hardship on thousands of Nigerian students.
“The Vice-Chancellor’s lack of regard for students’ welfare is glaring in the way he chose to hike fees without addressing the genuine concerns raised by the Students Union,” he said.
“Instead of engaging with the students, he took the cowardly step of sending them home for three weeks.”
He described the closure as a calculated attempt to silence the students and weaken the union’s fight against what they perceived as unjust policies.
“Since Professor Adebowale assumed office, life has become unbearable for students. His refusal to extend the deadline for tuition payment, despite multiple pleas from the Students Union, shows he is uninterested in the academic future or welfare of the students,” Babatunde added.
Babatunde commended the efforts of the Students Union and NELFUND, an initiative that has provided financial support to students struggling with the increased fees.
Recall that the institution had declared a three-week break for students.
The holiday break was announced after a series of protests embarked on by the students.
The break commenced on August 31 and is expected to last till September 20, 2024.
