- Nigerian federal institutions are not left out in biting inflation that continues to complicate the standard of living in the country
- After a federal institution, University of Ibadan, increased its fees, students were left scampering online to solicit to meet the deadline for payment
- TheRadar compiled some reactions from netizens online regarding the situation
Amidst the ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria, the sharp rise in the cost of living has extended beyond basic goods and services like food and fuel prices, severely impacting students in federal institutions. The University of Ibadan (UI) has become a focal point of this crisis, with students resorting to crowdfunding to meet the deadline for increased school fees.
Recently, Babcock University Medical students complained about the hike in school fees, and Lagos State parents threatened a boycott over a 200 per cent hike in the boarding school fees. One would think the students in Federal universities will not be affected by all of these; after all, ‘Na government school’. However, the supposed government schools experienced an overwhelming increase in school fees that most students in the school could not afford.
UI students launch crowdfunding to meet school fee deadline
The most recent occurrence that trailed the Internet is the crowdfunding mission that the University of Ibadan (UI) took to the internet to solicit funds to meet the deadline for the payment of school fees, which is September 20, 2024.
Recall that the UI Management earlier circulated an official correspondence that all students should leave the school for a three-week break to complete the payment of the school's fees. Before this, the students body protested for the reduction in the current school fees, which has doubled or tripled for some students. However, the protest yielded little or no result.
The sharp increase in school fees at federal universities, which have long been seen as more affordable options, has sparked outrage. The situation has been made worse by a recent memo from UI reminding students that failure to pay by the deadline would prevent them from sitting for their exams. In response, the Council of Departmental Presidents at UI appealed to the Vice Chancellor for an extension of the deadline and permission to write the GES exam starting next week Monday, September 23, but the outcome remains uncertain.
This new development made the University of Ibadan en-mass solicit public support, especially as the deadline is gradually drawing near and the first semester exams are in view. Different departmental leaders are canvassing for support through fliers circulated over the internet. The public outrage of UI students raised different reactions from the public.
Netizens react to UI students crowdfunding efforts
The financial strain on UI students has drawn public sympathy, with many expressing frustration over the worsening conditions in federal institutions. Social media has been flooded with reactions.
TheRadar compiled some reactions from the public to the hike in school fees and UI students’ solicitation for funds online.
“University of Ibadan needs to fix up. How is this even a thing????? Is there any justification for the increase?? This is the management telling students to not come to school if they haven't paid.”
“Save a child from becoming a dropout. Students shouldn't have to go through this. But the University of Ibadan students couldn't escape this. The system is retarded. Your efforts will be rewarded by God.🙏”
“Sad as Students of University of Ibadan, Nigeria resort to crowdfunding for their school fees following an over 500% increase in their school fees.”
“10 years ago, my school fees at the University of Ibadan were 19,000 naira. How did we get here?”
“Federal university school fees used to be affordable mehnnn.💔💔💔”
“After a three-week break due to protests over the tuition hike at the University of Ibadan, students are still stuck paying the same fees. It's frustrating, especially since many on campus are struggling to afford it…”
“How do we get here? The system is rigid.🤐”
“This is sad. Please, anyhow, you could be of help. Please help.🙏 Things at the University of Ibadan are really hard.”
“This is quite terrible news, having to see students crowdfund to pay their tuition fees at the University of Ibadan. Federal Universities were the go-to for subsidized and quality education. I can remember paying 14k in my first year in UI. How did we get here?🙁”.
“The current 400L students of the University of Ibadan paid #27,100 and #27,000 as Tuition and Accommodation fees, respectively, upon resumption into 100L in 2021. The addition of both can't even pay the School fee (a part of the Tuition fees) of any UI student today. So pathetic.”
“School is resuming in a few days and some of us have not raised school fees. Dear God, work miracles for those in need.🤲”
School fees increment a violation of law, can’t match new minimum wage - Falana fumes
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously wrote about Femi Falana, a human rights activist and lawyer who criticised the rise in school fees, calling it illegal.
He explained that the provisions of the law under the Child’s Rights Act and Lagos State Child’s Rights Law, every child is entitled to free and compulsory education from primary to junior secondary school.
Also, the Chairman of the Parents’ Forum of Lagos Model Colleges, Surveyor Dapo Dawodu, criticised the hike in school fees as “greed” in a statement made during the weekend.
In addition, Lagos State parents have demanded a reversal in the current fees tagging it a “Mindless increment.” However, The State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education addressed the situation by noting that the Ministry is aware of the objections from some parents regarding the unavoidable increase in boarding fees at model colleges. They assured that the welfare of the children remains a top priority for both the Ministry and the State.
