IBADAN, Nigeria — Students at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, have taken to social media to plead for financial assistance after a recent hike in tuition fees has left many unable to afford their education.
The increase, which saw fees rise from N230,000 to N412,000 for the 2023/2024 academic session, has sparked a wave of protests and public outcry, but the university administration has refused to reverse the decision.
In August 2024, students held massive demonstrations, hoping to pressure the university’s management into reconsidering the fee hike.
Despite these protests and interventions by concerned citizens, the institution has stood firm on the new fee structure.
This has pushed many students from low-income families to turn to crowdfunding to avoid dropping out.
One of the students, identified as Femi, expressed his desperation on social media, sharing that he is at risk of being forced to withdraw if he cannot pay the tuition by the upcoming deadline.
“Please, sir. I’m a student of the University of Ibadan. Our deadline is Friday. Without payment, we won’t be able to write exams, sir. I hope you help me out with anything. You can DM for any verification, sir,” Femi wrote in a plea.
The university has confirmed the deadline for fee payment in an internal memo issued by the registrar, G. O. Saliu.
The memo reiterated that students must settle their fees by Friday, September 20, 2024, or face exclusion from the upcoming first-semester examinations starting on September 23, 2024.
It also emphasised that there would be no extension or reopening of the registration portal beyond the deadline.
University of Ibadan Students’ Crowdfunding
With the deadline fast approaching, some students have taken to social media and blogs to share their plight, asking for public donations to cover their tuition fees.
A online flyer titled “HELP EDUCATORS STAY IN SCHOOL” aims to raise funds for 100 students struggling to meet the financial demands.
The flyer reads: “Help us raise funds to pay part of 100 educators’ fees (average 140,000 each)… The deadline for the payment is less than seven days but some persons have not paid and neither do they have any means to. Your donation is a powerful way to show your support and make a difference.”
The situation has been described as a troubling reflection of the state of education in Nigeria, where students are forced to rely on public generosity to continue their studies.
The tuition increase has been met with widespread criticism, especially from students and their families, who are already grappling with economic challenges.
The university’s decision to raise fees by nearly 80% comes amid broader concerns about rising costs of living and limited access to higher education for less privileged students.
The crowdfunding effort has garnered significant attention, with many Nigerians expressing solidarity with the students and condemning the circumstances that have led to such drastic measures.
As the deadline looms, the fate of hundreds of students hangs in the balance, with many unsure of how they will continue their education if they are unable to meet the university’s demands.
