Students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State have protested the abrupt increase in their school fees by the school authorities.
The students expressed astonishment that the school fees had surged from N65,000 to N240,000.
Returning students who were anticipating a fee of N65,000 will now need to pay N180,000, while incoming students are expected to pay N240,000, in addition to other mandatory fees.
According to reports, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) organised a protest to voice their discontent over the situation, citing that it would exacerbate the existing challenges stemming from the removal of fuel subsidies by the Federal Government.
The university has defended the tuition hike, citing it as a common occurrence nationwide during these times.
Dapo Oke, the institution’s Registrar, confirmed the peaceful nature of the protest, stating, “We had a peaceful student protest. They have presented their concerns to the university’s management, and we have received their grievances. We have urged them to channel their complaints through the appropriate channels, namely, through their union leaders. We are in the process of inviting them for necessary consultations.”
Hammed Akinjetan, the SUG President at the university, emphasised the students’ union’s responsibility to advocate for the interests of the student body.
“We firmly believe that this fee increase is unjust and imposes an unnecessary burden on students,” he emphasised.
He reiterated that education is a right that should be accessible to all and assured fellow students that the student executive is actively addressing the issue.
“In the meantime, we encourage each and every one of you to unite and reject this fee hike. We must come together as a strong and collective voice to ensure our concerns are heard.”
