On Delayed Resumption and Why Returning Students have not Returned to School

Oyedokun Agnes & Olukoga Opemipo

Following the end of the two-month holiday break, the school administration unveiled the timetable for the new academic year, marking the beginning of a new session. However, even after the second week of resumption, the campus is nowhere near teeming with students, at least in the numbers that could be deemed normal at this time of the session.

Before this time, Nigerian students found themselves in a state of turmoil as news about tuition fee hikes in specific federal universities circulated throughout the country. Much like their peers, students at the University of Ibadan were eagerly anticipating any updates regarding these potential changes. This unusual absence of students on campus despite it being the second week of studies has provoked speculations that is alarming that one of the top factors why the campus is devoid of students is as a result of the fear that was prompted by the significantly increased tuition fees in some universities. While fees have gradually risen in previous years; the substantial increase this year, combined with economic challenges in the country, seem to have pushed many students to their breaking point.

Furthermore, education is increasingly becoming a luxury that is beyond the means of numerous individuals, with financial constraints often determining whether self-sponsored students can continue their studies. The uncertainty surrounding the proposed fee has generated anxiety among prospective students, leading them to the question, “Will returning students return?” Could it be that some are awaiting announcement of the new fees to decide whether to defer enrollment, explore alternative educational paths, or source for a job and start working?

To the relief of many, in the past week, after widespread rumors of a possible fee increase, the university administration made available a link for students to access and it turned out the fees were not as high as expected.

Another speculation is the prevailing sense of education fatigue. The previous year saw an eight-month strike by federal university lecturers, resulting in a prolonged interruption of academic activities. The impact of this strike still lingers, with some students struggling to regain their academic motivation. Students’ once-strong sense of belonging and enthusiasm for university life have thus diminished, causing some students to stay at home for an extended break.

Reacting to this situation, Oludayo Joshua, a 300-level student of History department said he would have loved to resume but he is working on gathering more money before resumption.

He said, “In my opinion, financial restraints are the most likely reason for the campus looking scanty even two weeks after the resumption. The economy of the country is not smiling. Things are hard. Many students come from far places, some even outside the southwest region and we all know how the price of transportation has gone up, not to even talk about foodstuffs. Another reason could be the increase in tuition and accommodation fees which has probably demoralized or discouraged a lot of students. The eagerness and zeal of resuming school is no longer there. I personally would have loved to resume earlier but still trying to gather money. Please, I wouldn’t mind getting a sponsor or grant.”

Also reacting, Grace Nwachuwku* said “’I’m not sure if it’s just the daunting proposed fees for me. It’s more about the fact that, in previous years, even after the third week of classes, we used to plead with some lecturers to hold classes. I suppose I’m just exhausted from having nothing to do during the early weeks of the semester.”

Another student, James Adebayo* a 300-level student of the Department of English explained that the unsettling rumor of the fee hike had made him battle with health issues as a result of fear of being able to further his education.

He said, “One of the major factors keeping me at home is my health. I had personally been battling with some health issues for a couple of weeks that had almost ensured I wouldn’t resume early to school. The health factor was preceded by the unsettling news of the school fees hike. I must admit it was flummoxing for me that I had to apprise my parents to be calm and they were worried as to how to fork out such a humongous hike in money. Sadly, U.I. wasn’t quickly forthcoming with the official release of the fees so it heightened the pressure and suspense that I was the one who calmed them that whatever comes, I will resume even though it may be late in the session.”

“Predominantly, I believe many students were frightened by what the actual proposed fee increase would be. I know someone who was even contemplating giving up on tertiary education if the fee hike would be unbearable. Another extra factor could be that many students are self-sponsored so they would need to glean enough sum to foot their fees. If they haven’t gathered enough, they are unlikely to resume quickly.”

In conclusion, the delayed commencement of early lectures by certain departments has contributed to many students remaining at home even into the third week of the semester. However, as a new week begins and academic schedules are distributed among departments, more students might be encouraged to return to school and prepare for the academic year.

Editor’s note: Some names were changed in the report at the request of the sources.