Students at the University of Ibadan (UI) have launched a protest against the recent hike in tuition fees and the implementation of a 10-hour daily electricity rationing. The protest began on Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday, with students rallying at the university gate, holding placards. The student union is demanding a constant power supply, a reversal of the increased fees, and an end to the victimization of three students who protested in May. This article covers the details of the protest, student demands, and the university’s response.
Table of Contents
UI Protests Erupt Over Fee Hikes and Power Rationing
The University of Ibadan is currently experiencing a significant student protest due to recent changes affecting campus life, specifically electricity rationing and a hike in tuition fees. The protest started on Tuesday night and continued through Wednesday, with students expressing their dissatisfaction.
Protest Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Protest Start | Tuesday night |
| 📢 Issue 1 | 10-hour electricity rationing |
| 📢 Issue 2 | Tuition fee hike |
| 📝 Memo Date | July 16, 2024 |
| ⏰ Power Hours | 8 am – 2 pm, 10 pm – 2 am |
| 🚫 Demands | End power rationing, reverse fee hike |
| 👥 Key Figures | Aweda Bolaji, Ogundijo Japheth, Opegbemi Busoye |
The Trigger for the Protest
On Tuesday, an internal memo from the Director of the Works and Maintenance Department, O.A. Adetolu, instructed the Chief Engineer (Electrical) to implement a 10-hour daily electricity supply on campus. The Vice-Chancellor approved this new schedule, which specified the following power hours:
- Daytime: 8 am – 2 pm
- Nighttime: 10 pm – 2 am
This announcement sparked outrage among the students, leading to an immediate protest that lasted until early Wednesday morning.
Details of the Protest
Students gathered at the university gate, carrying placards and demanding changes. According to sources, the protest began late Tuesday night and continued into the early hours of Wednesday. The student union leaders, including President Aweda Bolaji, General Secretary Ogundijo Japheth, and Speaker Opegbemi Busoye, issued a statement declaring a halt to all lectures and transportation services within the campus for Wednesday.
Student Union’s Demands
The student union outlined several key demands:
1. Withdrawal of the Electricity Rationing Memo
Students demand a reversal of the 10-hour electricity rationing policy and insist on a constant power supply.
2. Reversal of Fee Hikes
The students call for the reversal of recent tuition fee hikes and the elimination of additional fees such as the ₦20,000 utility levy. They also demand refunds for students who have already paid these increased fees.
3. End to Alleged Victimization
The union condemned the alleged victimization of three students—Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegeshin, and Nice Linus—who participated in a peaceful protest on May 13, 2024. They demand an end to these alleged retaliatory actions.
Ongoing Mobilization
The student union has urged its members to continue the protest starting at 5:00 am on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. They plan to use all available resources, including the Aluta Jet and public address system, to mobilize students for the ongoing protest.
Conclusion
This protest reflects the students’ determination to stand against policies they find unjust, aiming to secure better conditions and fair treatment on campus. The situation continues to develop, and students are steadfast in their demands for a better university experience.
Stay tuned for updates and let us know in the comments if students at your school are eligible for the loan, if you’re satisfied with the loan options, or if you plan to opt for a student loan.
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