Fees Hike: The Imperatives for UISU to find its Voice
Jolaade Ifeoluwayimika

The University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s premier public institutions of higher learning, has recently found itself at the center of a contentious debate regarding proposed fee increments. This issue has sparked a torrent of reactions from the student community, who have expressed their concerns and demands in a bid to find a fair and sustainable solution.
The university administration has cited various factors as the driving force behind the proposed fee hikes. These include the rising operational costs associated with maintaining the institution’s infrastructure, ensuring the provision of quality educational resources, and addressing the need to enhance the overall learning experience for students. The management also argued that the fee increases are necessary to safeguard the long-term viability and competitiveness of the University of Ibadan when faced with the country’s broader economic challenges.
However, in spite of the defense mechanisms of the university management, the efforts of the Students Union to get the hike in fee reviewed has brought little to no response. As a public university, the University of Ibadan has historically portrayed itself as a bastion of affordable and accessible higher education, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and educationally less developed states. The proposed fee increments, the students argue, would undermine this fundamental role and effectively price out a significant portion of the student body.
It should be noted for a fact that the majority of Nigerians are living in poverty, and the students at the University of Ibadan are not the authors of the country’s broader economic woes. They should not be made to suffer or bear the burden of these challenges through excessive fee hikes that would place an undue financial strain on their families and communities.
Also, there is a need to critically examine the public nature of the University of Ibadan, highlighting its responsibility to maintain affordability and accessibility for a diverse range of Nigerian students. It should be argued that pricing out students from lower-income backgrounds would undermine the institution’s role in providing quality education to the nation’s future leaders and professionals.
In response to the proposed fee increments, the Student Union is still dragging its feet whether to organize protests or other collective actions to voice their concerns and demands which will garner significant attention and support from the wider public. It is high time the Student Union took meaningful and constructive steps that prioritise the interests and well-being of the students. The Union must find its voice and cease the practice of timidly avoiding confrontation or hiding from the issues at hand. It is crucial that the Student Union now raises its banner and takes a firm stand against the proposed increment or change that is of concern. The Union can no longer afford to remain passive or retreat like frightened rabbits. It is time for bold and decisive action to address the matters that impact the student community.
It is believed that the Student Union has faced difficulties in maintaining its status and influence within the institution which can be considered the reason the management, in recent times has not prioritised attending the meetings called by the Student Union, which has diminished the Union’s prestige and authority.
This is a clarion call to the Student Union to regain and actively fight to reclaim its lost glory and standing. Without the Student Union asserting its rightful role and influence, the management is unlikely to give proper consideration to the Union’s opinions and perspectives on the reduction of fees.
Also, the Student Union needs to move past any cowardice or hesitation it may have exhibited in the past. It is time for the Student Union to confront the realities it faces head-on, rather than hiding behind past baggage or excuses. The Union needs to engage the management directly and proactively, rather than avoiding difficult conversations or confrontations.
One of the first steps the student union should take is to further engage in a comprehensive dialogue with the university administration. This dialogue should be characterised by open and transparent communication, where both parties are willing to listen, understand, and consider each other’s perspectives. The student union should present a well-researched and compelling case that highlights the potential impact of the fee increments on the student population, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
During these negotiations, the student union should emphasise the public nature of the University of Ibadan and its responsibility to maintain affordability and accessibility. They should argue that pricing out students from lower-income families would undermine the institution’s role in providing quality education to a diverse range of Nigerians, effectively limiting social mobility and denying opportunities to those who need them the most. Throughout the process, the student union must maintain a steadfast and principled stance, while also demonstrating a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and find mutually acceptable solutions. They should be prepared to negotiate and compromise, but never at the expense of the students’ best interests.
In addition to the dialogue with the university administration, the student union should also engage in a broader advocacy campaign to garner support from the wider community. This could involve organising public awareness campaigns, mobilising student protests, and leveraging social media to amplify the students’ voices and concerns. By building a strong coalition of supporters, the student union can increase the pressure on the university management to reconsider the proposed fee increments.
To chip in, one potential solution could involve a phased approach to any fee increases, with gradual and modest adjustments over time, rather than a sudden and substantial hike. This would allow the university to address its financial challenges while mitigating the impact on the student population, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Furthermore, the student union should explore alternative solutions and proposals that address the university’s financial challenges without placing an undue burden on the students. This could include advocating for increased government funding, exploring partnerships with the private sector, or identifying innovative revenue-generating initiatives that do not directly impact the students’ ability to afford their education.
The student union should also work closely with the university administration to explore ways to enhance the overall educational experience without relying solely on fee increments. This could involve collaborating on initiatives that improve the quality of teaching, upgrade infrastructure, and invest in technological advancements, all while ensuring that these improvements do not translate into higher costs for the students.
Additionally, the student union should push for the expansion of financial aid and scholarship programs at the University of Ibadan. By advocating for increased funding and more accessible support mechanisms, the union can ensure that no qualified student is denied access to education due to their economic circumstances.
By taking these proactive steps, the University of Ibadan Student Union can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the institution and ensuring that the university remains a beacon of affordable and accessible higher education for all Nigerians, regardless of their socioeconomic background.