Oguntoye Sodiq
Students of Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, staged a protest on Monday against the recently announced tuition fee hike for the upcoming 2023-2024 session, as reflected on the student portal.
The school management’s decision to raise fees has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the student body.
The school management increased tuition fees for education courses, raising fees for new students from N76,500 to N230,000, and for returning students from N76,500 to N180,000.
The tuition fees for fresh students pursuing pure courses were raised from N80,500 and N90,500 to N240,000 while returning students now face fees of N190,000.
In response to the development, students took to the streets, displaying placards and leaf stems, gathering at key locations including the Main Gate, the University Academic Building, and the Directorate of Students’ Affairs Building. They express their strong disapproval of the proposed fee increases, deeming them inhumane.
The Students’ Union also issued a statement expressing their stance on the matter, emphasizing that education is a right and should be accessible to all.
The students have strongly criticized the management team for their decision, labeling it as inhumane. The students argue that the management team failed to take into account the current situation of the country and the potential consequences of their actions.
The statement partly reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the university’s decision to increase our school fees on the portal. We firmly believe that this fee increment is unjust and places an unnecessary burden on students.
“Education is a right, and it should be accessible to all. We want to assure you that we are actively working to address this issue. We will engage in communication with the university management to express our concerns and negotiate for a fair and affordable education.
“Meanwhile, we encourage each one of you to stand together and say No to this fee increment. We must unite as a strong and collective voice to make our concerns heard.”
The Students’ Union President, Akinjetan Emmanuel, said the protest aims to send a strong message to the university management.
“We refuse to accept this burden on our shoulders. We must continue to raise our voices and make our concerns heard. By participating in the protest, we are advocating for a fair and affordable education.”
