By Zainab Adewale
The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University in southwest Nigeria has opposed the university’s management’s recent announcement of a proposed increase in tuition and accommodation fees.
The union’s president, Omoboriowo Isaac, and secretary-general, Babatimehin Kinfeosi, said in a statement that the university’s proposal of a 50% increase in sundry charges and a 100% increase in accommodation fees is excessive and unfair to students.
The union described the proposed hikes as “drastic and rash,” stressing that “it would continue to oppose any form of exploitation or unfair treatment of students.”
“We are exploring all measures to make sure our interests stand,” the union said. “We reiterate our stance against any form of exploitation or unfair treatment of Great Ife students, and we will continue to advocate for a total reversal of this decision.”
Obafemi Awolowo University is the latest in a growing list of Nigerian universities proposing or implementing fee hikes, sparking nationwide concern over the affordability of tertiary education in the country.
In recent months, several public institutions have increased charges, citing inflation and the high cost of maintaining facilities. These fee increases have led to widespread protests by the students.
