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UI stakeholders’ meeting ends in deadlock as parents, students reject fees increment

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PARENTS, students and other stakeholders who stormed the University of Ibadan, UI Trenchard Hall for the stakeholders meeting on the proposed accommodation fees and training fees increment for medical students by the university Senate has rejected the proposed increment.

The Vice Chancellor of the  university, Professor Idowu Olayinka on Tuesday in his presentation while speaking on the need for the increment said the increment was necessary due to the present state of the institution.

On the contrary, the parents as well as the students whom furiously rejected the proposed increment, also called for the reversal with immediate effect.

According them, the university should annul its decision due to the current economic situation which is making the existing fees unaffordable for some parents and indigent students.

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The institution had last Thursday embarked on a protest against the 114 per cent increment in the accommodation fees which was increased from N14,000 to N30,000, while the Medical students are billed to pay N40, 000.

The institution in a bid to forestall breakdown of laws and order, as gathered on Saturday ordered with immediate effect, the closure of the Medical students Hall of residence.

Mega Icon Magazine further checks revealed that the Medical students who were the most affected, on Sunday embarked on sit out protest against what they described as injustice to them and their parents by the Senate of the university.

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The parents who spoke during the stakeholders’ meeting maintained that the meeting which came more than a week after the proposed fees was announced was like “putting a cart before the horse.”

According to Mr. Fashina Olusegun, one of the parents who rejected the increment told our reporter that it was unfortunate that the university is coming with the new fees without acknowledging the present economic realities in the country.

Also, another parent, Elder M.O. Oduronbi said the purpose of sending their wards to public institutions would have been frustrated if the new fees are effected.

Oduronbi added that many of them are either government workers or retirees just as he stressed that they are finding it difficult to pay the existing fees let alone of the proposed one.

Moving a motion for the reversal of the fees, he noted that the university management is also aware that the new minimum wage has not changed from N18,000, saying the university should not task them the money that they will not be able to pay in line with the current worker’s wages.

Oduronbi statement reads; “We can’t train our children in private universities that is why we brought them here, minimum wage is still N18,000, but at the same time, this meeting should have come before now. It is like putting the cart before the horse.

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“What we are saying is that if this must be done, it suppose to be gradual. The new fees is from N14,000 to N30,000, what percentage is that, it is not fair. What I am saying is that, it should be reversed. And after that, another meeting will be called where we will now decide. Senate cannot decide for us. I am now moving a motion for the reversal of the fees. Anyone who is seconded should raise his hand.”

In a related development, one of the students and a former Hall Chairman, Boluwatife Ajijola maintained that there is no reason for such increment because the institution had failed them severally, alleging that it is not the type of the students identity card that they paid for, that the institution issued for them.

Ajijola who also rejected the increment, alleged that many will be surprised that the money will not be used for the purpose for which it was meant for.

Other students in their own explanations during the protest explained that some of them are even finding it difficult to pay the existing fees.

The placards displayed by the students while speaking with newsmen declared not to resume until the fees is reversed reads : ” SAY NO TO FEES INCREMENT”, “NO REVERSAL, NO RESUMPTION “, PARENTS, STUDENTS AND WORKERS MUST BE INVOLVED IN DECISION MAKING OF THE UNIVERSITY”, WHERE IS ASUU/FG N3 BILLION SPECIAL INTERVENTION FUNDS”. 

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Education

Don Pushes for B.Tech to Empower Polytechnic Graduates

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Dr. Taofeek Abdul-hameed, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede Ogbomoso, in Oyo State, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider replacing the Higher National Diploma (HND) with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) to address educational disparities and benefit indigent students nationwide.

Abdul-Hameed, speaking on behalf of a league of Rectors, during a live radio programme in Ibadan recently, emphasised the need to eliminate the dichotomy between Polytechnic and University education, asserting that both students and lecturers at Polytechnics are equally competent.

He argued that technical skills and entrepreneurship play a crucial role in a nation’s economic development, citing China and the United Arab Emirates as examples.

Highlighting the Polytechnics’ emphasis on practical skills and entrepreneurship, the don stressed the scarcity of white-collar jobs, advocating for equipping students with practical skills for self-employment after graduation.

“The way out is for the president to assent to the bill and cancel the HND to B.Tech programme, or else the disparity will continue. We hope that President Bola Tinubu signs the bill soon since the last administration failed to do so,” Abdul-Hameed remarked.

 

Commending the Federal Government for the approved Student Loan initiative, the Rector emphasised the importance of making education accessible to indigent students.

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He suggested low tuition fees and interest-free loans, asserting that skill acquisition should be an integral part of education to enable students to repay loans through acquired skills.

“As long as students receive loans from their institutions, they should be equipped with skill acquisitions so that they can pay back after 2 years or graduation. I want to believe that 2 years are sufficient for students, and if not, the government can consider renewing or extending the loan period,” Abdul-Hameed concluded.

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Education

KWASU Students Arrested for Allegedly Beating Peer to Death

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Four unidentified undergraduate students of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, are facing serious legal consequences after being apprehended for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of a fellow student.

The tragic incident transpired penultimate week within one of the private hostels located outside the university premises. The assailants reportedly targeted the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed at this time, accusing him of surreptitiously filming them.

According to an account from a student who spoke with Channels Television, the victim succumbed to the severe injuries inflicted during the assault. The motives behind the alleged filming and subsequent attack are yet to be fully understood.

Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the distressing event on Friday, stating, “The alleged culprits were four but I cannot confirm their names now. They have been arrested while an investigation is still ongoing over the matter.”

 

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Oyo: Oseni pays WAEC fees of indigent students, begins free JAMB registration

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has paid the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for 300 indigent students in the federal constituency.

Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced the collection of data from eligible constituents in fulfillment of its 2024 free JAMB registration programme.

It will be recalled that the lawmaker at the stakeholders meeting and mega empowerment held last year December said under his education support scheme he will be providing free WAEC and JAMB registration for underprivileged students in the constituency

According to him, “Supporting education is crucial for securing the future of our constituency. Initiatives such as scholarships, tuition fee support, and free WAEC and JAMB registration will be introduced to ease the financial burden on students. Ensuring access to quality education is essential for nurturing the next generation of leaders.

“ Therefore, I am proud to announce that, starting in 2024, under the Remi Oseni Education Support Scheme, I will provide free WAEC and JAMB registration for students in the constituency. Additionally, the Remi Oseni Scholarship Award will be offered to less privileged children, ensuring robust support for all students at every level, including scholarships and tuition fee payment”.

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The APC chieftain, in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Sunday, in Ibadan, noted that he is committed to investing in the future of the younger generation through education and other programmes that will boost their morale in pursuing a worthy future.

It further explained that eligible constituents of Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency are expected to visit the Remi Oseni Constituency Office Ologuneru, Ibadan with their WAEC/NECO certificates, local government identification certificate (Ibarapa East/Ido local government) to get the free JAMB registration forms to register their data/details.

“It is important to emphasise that recipients of the free JAMB registration must provide clear evidence of residing and having received education in Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency. The registration commenced on Friday, February 2, 2024, and will conclude on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Eligible students are required to visit the constituency office between 9 am and 6 pm,” the statement reiterated.

Oseni, however, reassured the constituents of more dividends of democracy and quality representation.

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