UI Undergraduates Seek Public Assistance to Pay Increased School Fees

Yinka Olatunbosun 

Some undergraduates of the University of Ibadan (UI) are making news for seeking public assistance in paying their newly increased school fees.

The management of the university had shut down and suspended academic activities on Saturday, August 31 following the protest against fee increment.

According to the management of the school, the three-week break was to allow the students to have adequate time to pay the school fees and complete their online registration.

Hence, the first semester examination was postponed to September 23.

There has been a massive crowdfunding campaign for school fees payment from various departments in the university. While tuition fees have been increased, the student loan scheme is yet to be approved for some of the students.

As some of the students individually sourced for crowdfunding online, one of the student bodies, National Association of Muslim Students (UI Chapter) has launched an emergency appeal online for funds.

In a statement on X, the association pleaded for public assistance: “The drastic surge in school fees, compounded by economic uncertainty, has plunged our members into financial distress, threatening their academic pursuits. Many talented Namlasites are now on the brink of discontinuing their studies due to inability to afford tuition.

“In this critical hour, we turn to you for support. Your contribution will directly benefit deserving students ensuring their educational journey continues uninterrupted.”

In a similar gesture, the Environmental Design Students at the University of Ibadan has joined the public appeal for funds.

“The Faculty of Environmental Design and Management seeks your help for students in need of support to pay their school fees. Through your contribution, we can build a brighter future,” the statement read.

Another association launched yet a similar campaign online.

“The Society of Petroleum Engineers, University of Ibadan (SPEUI) is urgently seeking donations to support students struggling to pay tuition fees. The deadline is in 3 days, and contributions of any amount can help keep students in school.”

These undergraduates of University of Ibadan  are unable to pay the new fees that were increased by over 500% from ₦30,000 and N60,000 to ₦230,000 and N412,000k respectively with the deadline set for September 20th.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) disbursed ₦201 million in loans last month to cover the fees of 1,370 students who applied since May.

But hundreds of students, who applied since May, are yet to be approved. UI’s Student Body  tried to reach NELFUND for a quick intervention before 20th, but the body is not responding due to the huge number of applicants. 

This has forced the UI student body to initiate an emergency fund raiser for at least 500 vulnerable students who risk losing the academic session.

NELFUND is reportedly in discussions with UI’s managements to permit students, who applied for loans, pending their approvals.