The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Wednesday, denounced the recent hike in tuition fees at the University of Ibadan (UI), describing the move as oppressive and anti-students.
The student body, however, called on the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in what it termed the unjust treatment of students.
New Telegraph had earlier reported that following the increase in fees, UI management directed students to embark on a three-week break, starting from Saturday, August 31, to Friday, September 20, 2024, after a series of protests by the students.
In an announcement released in Ibadan on Wednesday, NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, criticised the administration of UI’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, for ignoring the students’ concerns over the fee hike, saying the decision has inflicted hardship on thousands of Nigerian students.
He said, “The Vice-Chancellor’s lack of regard for students’ welfare is glaring in the way he chose to hike fees without addressing the genuine concerns raised by the Students Union.
“Instead of engaging with the students, he took the cowardly step of sending them home for three weeks.”
He described the forced closure as an intentional attempt to silence the students and weaken the union’s fight against what they perceived as unjust policies.
“Since Professor Adebowale assumed office, life has become unbearable for students. His refusal to extend the deadline for tuition payment, despite multiple pleas from the Students Union, shows he is uninterested in the academic future or welfare of the students,” he added.