Students of the University of Ibadan, operating under the banner of Helpless and Concerned Students, have addressed President Bola Tinubu in an open letter regarding the recent increase in undergraduate school fees.
The proposed increment has forced many students to seek financial help online, exacerbating the challenges posed by the current economic climate in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s University Of Ibadan Students Resort To Begging Online For Financial Assistance Over Tuition Fee Hike As Deadline Near
In a statement signed on Thursday by Solomon Emiola, on behalf of the group and obtained by SaharaReporters, the students emphasized that the fee increase jeopardizes their academic aspirations and threatens their futures.
They implored President Tinubu to intervene and provide relief from what they describe as a dire situation.
The letter, which was also sent to key officials including the Minister for Education and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, raised critical questions regarding the justification for the fee increase.
They challenged the rationale given that the federal government already covers staff salaries and suggested that existing funding from TETFUND and donor agencies should suffice for infrastructure development and capacity building.
Furthermore, the group questioned the need for increased fees despite the university’s substantial revenue streams from privatized hostels and other sources, urging for a reconsideration of the proposed hike to safeguard their educational pursuits.
Emiola said, “The proposed increment has cast a dark shadow on our academic pursuits, threatening our very dreams. We plead with you to intervene and rescue us from this predicament.
“We, the distressed students and stakeholders of the University of Ibadan, humbly appeal to your compassionate consideration regarding the crippling and unwarranted increments in undergraduate school fees.
“Our future is at stake. The proposed increment has cast a dark shadow on our academic pursuits, threatening our very dreams. We plead with you to intervene and rescue us from this predicament.”
The students accused the school management of a lack of transparency and accountability.
They expressed concern about the announcement of the increment without the governing council’s approval.
Emiola said, “We beg you to ensure that Chief Bisi Akande’s council scrutinizes this decision.
“When was the University of Ibadan Bursary last audited after the blind and bewitched external auditor since 2020?
“We crave transparency regarding the Distance Learning Centre, Postgraduate School, Campus Cab, Network Mast, CESDEV, CEPEEL, CEI, First Bank, Access Bank, Polaris Bank, etc.”
The helpless and concerned students appealed to President Tinubu to uphold national interests.
“Mr. President, amidst inflation and unfulfilled promises of minimum wage, our parents struggle. Education, a fundamental right, should not be commercialized.
“We implore you to reverse the unwarranted increment, investigate UI’s financial management, and ensure transparency and accountability,” Emiola added.