Some undergraduates of the University of Ibadan (UI) have begged Nigerians for 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 memo jointly signed by UISU’s president, Bolaji Aweda, and the Public Relations Officer, Omotayo Olumide, the student union appealed for a sum of 50 million naira to pay for the school fees of 500 students within 4 days, to meet the September 20, 2024 deadline.
Part of the memo titled “APPEAL FOR SUPPORT!!!” reads; “The recent hike in school fees at the University of Ibadan has left many students struggling to continue their education. For some, the dream of a better future now seems out of reach. But with your help, we can change that.
The Students’ Union is reaching out to the public for support to ensure that no student is forced to drop out due to financial hardship. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a life-changing difference.”
In a similar gesture, the Environmental Design Students at the University of Ibadan have 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 N30,000 and N60,000 to N230,000 and N412,000k respectively with the deadline set for September 20th.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) disbursed N201 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 the 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 fundraiser for at least 500 vulnerable students who risk losing the academic session.
NELFUND is reportedly in discussions with UI’s management to permit students, who applied for loans, pending their approvals.
