Students Protest Tuition Fee Hike at Tai Solarin University of Education

By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos

Students of Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, gathered on the university premises on Monday to express their dissatisfaction and protest against the recently announced tuition fee hike for the upcoming 2023-2024 session, as displayed on the student’s portal.

According to reports, the university management increased the tuition fees for new students in education courses from N76,500 to N230,000 and for returning students from N76,500 to N180,000. Furthermore, the school fees for fresh students pursuing pure courses were raised from N80,500 and N90,500 to N240,000, with returning students seeing an increase from N80,500 and N90,500 to N190,000.

This decision has prompted a widespread protest among the students. They took to the streets, carrying placards and leaf stems, and gathered at various locations, including the Main Gate, the University Academic Building, and the Directorate of Students’ Affairs Building, to express their strong disapproval of the proposed fee increase.

Students have criticized the university management for what they consider an inhumane decision, citing the failure to consider the current economic situation and the potential consequences of their actions.

A statement released by the Students’ Union emphasized, “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.”

The Students’ Union President, Akinjetan Emmanuel, stated that the protest’s goal is 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