Students at Tai Solarin University of Education , TASUED in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, met on Monday to express their displeasure and protest against the newly announced tuition fee hike for the forthcoming 2023-2024 session, as displayed on the student site.
On Monday, the school administration hiked the tuition for new students enrolled in education courses from N76,500 to N230,000, and for returning students from N76,500 to N180,000.
The school costs for new students taking pure courses were raised from N80,500 to N240,000, and for returning students from N80,500 to N190,000.
This development has raised concerns among students, leading to a large-scale protest. Students have taken to the streets, brandishing placards and leaf stems, and congregating at various locations, including the Main Gate, the University Academic Building, and the Directorate of Students’ Affairs Building. Their aim is to voice their strong disapproval of the proposed.
The students have strongly criticised the management team for their decision, labelling it as inhumane. The students argue that the management team failed to take into account the current situation of the country and the potential consequences of their actions.
A statement released by the Students’ Union partly reads,“ Our attention has been drawn to the university’s decision to increase our school fees on the portal. We firmly believe that this fee increment is unjust and places an unnecessary burden on students.
“Education is a right, and it should be accessible to all. We want to assure you that we are actively working to address this issue. We will engage in communication with the university management to express our concerns and negotiate for a fair and affordable education.
“Meanwhile, we encourage each one of you to stand together and say No to this fee increment. We must unite as a strong and collective voice to make our concerns heard.”
The Students’ Union President, Akinjetan Emmanuel, said the protest aims to send a strong message to the university management.
“We refuse to accept this burden on our shoulders. It is crucial that we continue to raise our voices and make our concerns heard. By participating in the protest, we are advocating for a fair and affordable education,” he said.