In a resolute response to the recent tuition fee hike at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, students have taken to the streets in protest. Led by the Great Ife Students’ Union, this demonstration has culminated in the blockage of the university’s entrance. Their rallying cry? A demand for the university management to reconsider and reduce the recently increased fees.
Carrying placards adorned with messages such as ‘Education is Bleeding, No Need for Celebrating Independence,’ ‘Let the Poor Breathe,’ ‘Fees Must Fall,’ and ‘My Parents are Poor, Can’t Afford Exorbitant Fees,’ the students made it abundantly clear that they were not willing to bear the financial burden of the fee hike.
Abbas Akinremi, the leader of the protest, affirmed their commitment to this cause, stating that they would not cease disrupting campus activities until the university administration commits to a 50% reduction in fees, as opposed to the offered 15% reduction.
Akinremi stated, “What we embarked upon is a protest-a-Thon, and we will continue to shut the campus down until the management meets our demand. We initiated the protest in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Universities Students (NAUS). We will extend our actions across the state to attract the attention of the Federal Government.”
It is essential to note that, despite the ongoing break, the students remain resolute in their pursuit of the 50% fee reduction, which they believe is a vital step towards ensuring that higher education remains accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints.
In response, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, acknowledged that negotiations with the student leadership were ongoing. However, he encouraged the students to engage in peaceful dialogue rather than disrupting campus activities.
Olarenwaju explained, “Fortunately, we decided to reduce the initial chargeable fees when the leadership of their union persistently demanded re-negotiation, we considered and we held meetings with them. We told them the 50% you are asking for will not be realistic in the long run. The management operates an open door policy and they (students) can approach the authority for further dialogue rather than disrupting activities on campus.”
While tensions remain high, the hope is that both parties can come to an agreement through constructive dialogue, ensuring that education remains accessible to all students without imposing undue financial burdens.
In conclusion, the OAU students’ protest serves as a reminder of the importance of affordable and accessible education. It is a call to action for institutions and policymakers to consider the economic realities faced by students and strive to strike a balance between maintaining educational standards and ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.
Source: [Vanguard]
