UI’SU Press Conference: The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

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On January 14, 2024, the University of Ibadan Students’ Union organised a press conference that had in attendance campus journalists from all parts of the campus. As expected of the conference, some issues were raised, so were questions regarding the welfare of the students and the state of the union.

Student leadership is a nuanced journey, where campaign promises set the course for an administration’s path, and actions are taken to foster positive change within the student community. Thus far, there is much to discuss regarding the Students Union administration led by Samuel Samson Tobiloba, and the dynamics at play. These discussions surfaced during the press conference, giving rise to questions like: “Is the union capable of establishing a connection with the students that is compelling? To what extent is the union united with the students? How effectively has the union voiced students’ dissatisfaction and concerns regarding recent developments? How proficiently has the union raised awareness among students about governance and the perils of apathy? Furthermore, what plans are in place for a more robust union, and what notable achievements can be commended thus far?”

Have UI Students been Cured of their Age-long Political Apathy?

Similar to the widespread apathy among most Nigerians towards politics and the government’s unfulfilled promises over the decades, a comparable sentiment exists in higher institutions, particularly at the University of Ibadan. Many students seem oblivious to the union’s role and significance. Some perceive student leadership as merely a political position, akin to national politics, prompting a pressing requirement for awareness on campus.

The crucial question is: what initiatives has the union undertaken to address apathy on campus and actively involve students in the movement? The assertion is that there have been visits to halls of residence before and after elections to educate students about the union’s capabilities and plans. However, this falls short. What about students not present during these visits? How has the union made endeavours to engage them? There’s a higher likelihood that these visits were not as productive as the union anticipated.

Nevertheless, this situation poses numerous challenges as the unity between the union and the students it represents comes under scrutiny. Without unity, achieving meaningful progress becomes challenging, and only limited accomplishments can be expected.

On the Introduction of Fees

In the last year, Nigeria faced significant shortcomings in various sectors, including education. Speculations heightened, and actions taken by school administrations, especially the exorbitant increase in school fees, sparked frustration and grievances among students and parents. Activists on campuses led aggressive movements to challenge this development, and the University of Ibadan, like many other institutions, experienced a hike in school fees—though relatively lower compared to some other schools.

The introduction of new fees, such as laboratory fees, studio fees, and professional levies, along with an increase in technology fees, triggered student agitation. Students questioned the necessity of these fees and pondered the contributions they would make to their lives and education.

In addition to the aforementioned development, another perplexing matter is the inclusion of a penalty fee for late payment of school fees. The UISU president, Samuel Samson Tobiloba (Host) defended this saying that this is a longstanding tradition in the University of Ibadan especially since the school calendar is structured to designate specific weeks for school fee payment and registration. He also revealed that the continued accessibility of the portal for those who haven’t paid is attributed to the union’s interventions at various levels.

While the union asserts that students from faculties obligated to pay laboratory and studio fees but failed to do so were allowed to take exams last semester, it remains an issue of concern that even those who do not utilise laboratories are compelled to pay. The central issue is not solely about students taking exams, but the essentiality of these newly introduced fees and the extent of development they contribute to both the students and the school. Unfortunately, the outcome of the battle the SU is fighting is not quite near the solution the students seek.

The Poor State of Buildings

The SRC Chambers has served as a valuable and functional facility for significant deliberations, including Legislative Council meetings, gatherings of various campus unions, and other programs. It also functions as a reading space for students during exams. Unfortunately, with its broken chairs and non-functional fans, the condition of the chamber deteriorates with each passing day. To improve its condition, Host disclosed the efforts to seek external funding due to limited resources and specific arrangements demanding the allocation of union funds.

Several halls of residence also share the same fate with the SRC chambers despite that accommodation fees were also increased this session. Apart from the complaints about crowded rooms from students, the toilets and bathrooms are in a sorry state, and above all, they have to battle with the infestation of bed bugs, despite the two fumigation processes conducted last semester.

Price Control Regulations


Another prominent concern for University of Ibadan students is the inconsistency in prices of commodities on campus. Oluwole Ayomide Joy, the House Secretary of the Union, revealed that discussions have taken place with stakeholders to standardize prices in all hall cafeterias and shops. However, the feasibility and impact of this initiative were questioned as the claims were disputed at the conference that no such actions have been observed. This also brings to mind how transport fares on campus came to be.

In the end, the Press conference concluded with unresolved questions, as the student executives, representing the students, fell short in providing direct answers to certain inquiries. This also signifies that the same problems will probably continue to rear different heads at different administrations, yet will remain the same and unsolved.

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