UI Masked Protest: A Long Overdue Move

Opemipo Olukoga

At the start of the previous academic session, University of Ibadan students were already reeling from the sudden introduction of additional fees, including utility, lab, and studio levy fees, on top of the previous session’s school fee hike. Following a significant hike in school fees this session, new students are now required to pay between #133,500 and #372,500, depending on their department and faculty.

Now, another controversial development has sparked outrage this session  – the release of an electricity ration schedule in an internal memo from the Director of Works, University of Ibadan works and maintenance department approved by the Vice Chancellor.

This memo has validated the long-held suspicions and concerns of numerous students and the Concerned Students Against Tuition Fees (CSATF), who had cautioned that the fee hike would not result in corresponding improvements.

The move raises questions like ‘What is the logic behind increasing utility fees when an electricity ration schedule will later be put in place? What factors have contributed to the Student Union’s (SU) passive acceptance of the university’s actions, and should students continue to trust the SU given its inability to address the oppression, victimization of students against the heartbreaking and  harmful policies that would negatively impact students’ academic success and well-being, especially during these difficult economic times when the effects of inflation are still widely felt by all with everyone struggling to cope?

Since resumption, the prolonged silence of the Students Union, a vital organization in the higher educational institution, on  the school fee hike and its encouragement of delayed payment has sparked concerns about its effectiveness and authority.

However, the peaceful protests on July 16th and 17th, have rekindled hope among students that the management might finally address their concerns. Although, it is essential that the Student Union follows up on its meetings with concrete actions and solutions to the pressing issues, rather than just holding talks without tangible outcomes. The students expect the union to vigorously advocate for their interests and grievances, and to work tirelessly to resolve the problems plaguing them.

As the students’ union aligns with students’ concerns about the nation’s economic decline, rising prices, and the resulting hunger crisis, thereby introducing a stomach infrastructure program, an initiative meant to produce free meals for 1,200 UI students; the students unanimously believe that the most fundamental issue is the need for reduced school fees hence the protest. The problems of students are not just what to eat but how to survive in these distressing period when even education is no more affordable.

In response to the status quo of the  university’s current state, Raji Noah, a 400-level Philosophy student claimed to have been shocked by the electricity rationing as the supposed timing of the power supply would have little or zero positive impact on Students while exposing them to greater academic stress.

Speaking on the increase in school fees, he said, “Since Ojo Aderemi’s protest, the institution have been testing the ground and carefully introducing new fees, as they initially began from increasing acceptance fee, and then to freshers and accomodations fee, then to staylite fee, now again rationing of power supply. The university administrators just want to keeping inflicting pain on the students community without any remorse. The SU also since 2019 have been cowardly dodging peaceful demonstrations and confrontation with the supposed school administrators. It’s important to to note that peaceful demonstrations is universal right of any individual irrespective of where you are. And, such should not be termed as revolt against people at the alms of institutional affairs. The protest is therefore long due. If you notice, the memo that was released was halt as a result of yesterday’s night protest. The effectiveness of peaceful confrontation can therefore not be overemphasize.”

Despite the yearly hike, students are vocal about the school’s failure to invest in infrastructure development, particularly in hostels and lecture rooms, despite the substantial increase in fees. They are frustrated about the ongoing bed bug infestation in their living quarters, where they are forced to share small rooms with multiple roommates, with each student paying 60,000 for hostel fees, totaling over a whooping sum of 200,000 naira per room.

Afolayan Mary, a 300 level student of Linguistics department lamented the unjustified increase in school fees, highlighting how students seek out federal universities specifically because of their affordability. Sharing the sentiment of many, she believes that the protest is long overdue and that with persistence and determination, the students will ultimately emerge victorious.

Okunola Muhammad, along with numerous other students, has expressed deep concern about the substantial hardship that their families are facing, despite their efforts to meet various financial obligations beyond the recently increased school fees.

On the rationing, he added, “The announcement of electricity rationing was extremely disappointing. We, the students and those who are not students rely on consistent power for our studies and daily activities, and reducing it to just 10 hours a day will severely disrupts our daily routine and academic performance. Even, it will affect the charges on printing expenses. The fact that we might not even get those promised hours adds to our frustration.”

Arguing that the national energy crisis does not justify the alleged rationing, Muhammad supports the protest demonstration , “Yes, the protest is long overdue. Students have been patient and tried to voice their concerns through various channels without success. Taking to the streets is a last resort to make our voices heard. We believe that a united front will put enough pressure on the school management to address our demands and hopefully lead to a resolution that benefits everyone.”

Moreover, Olalusi Susan, a student in her third year, expressed her strong disapproval of the management’s decision to raise school fees, condemning the move.

As regards the rationing, she added, “I was  infuriated by the rationing, given that a utility fee of 20,000 has been introduced. As an educational institution, I’ve grown accustomed to reliable electricity. The 10 hours of rationed power supply aren’t even during times when students are actively on campus. I don’t believe the current electricity crisis in Nigeria justifies this rationing. Moreover, some students still use hot plates in their halls, which can be addressed. The protest is long overdue, but I’m confident that our united action will yield positive results. The management was taken aback by our show of solidarity and determination to effect change.”

Speaking on the effects of this rationing, Raji Noah highlighted the recent instability of power supply making it difficult for students to efficiently and effectively manage their studying period.

“The rationing apart from having effect on students study and extra-curricular activities, it would also result to shortage of water supply, inability to get individual gadgets powered leading to failing to meet up with academic deadlines. If  an institution like the University of Ibadan can not generate it  power, then what is the essence of it research output? There is no justification for the reduction of power supply.”

He condemned the position that the country does not have capacity to fund education due to the flamboyant spending of politicians and public office holders and various embezzlement of the nation’s wealth with the stance that Tertiary institutions are expected to stand firm with the position that government must fund education at all level.

However, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Olapegba, while addressing the protesters claimed they were unaware of the memorandum until it was released. Yet, the university management had earlier attributed the campus power outages to the nationwide energy crisis and students had claimed to have seen a memo supporting the electricity rationing, on the portal. According to them, the severe energy shortage affecting the country has impacted the national grid’s supply to the institution, resulting in reduced power supply on campus.

Following a vigorous protest and two lengthy meetings, a breakthrough was achieved, and an announcement was made to the demonstrators on the protest site. The agreed-upon resolutions were as follows: a memo debunking the 10-hour electricity scheduling memo will be released; no student of the University of Ibadan will be victimized; suspension of compulsory GES textbook; sale of handouts prohibited; electricity at Alexander Brown hall will be assessed and resolved; a special time duration will be designated for students alone at JAJA clinic to reduce waiting hour; that August 4 deadline set for school fees payment is overruled with the management presenting a revised school fees to the governing council.

As the protest gains momentum, appearing to be the catalyst for realizing students’ aspirations, some students are uncertain whether classes should proceed or be suspended until the governing council reaches a decision and communicates it to the student union and body. Nevertheless, the quest for a profound transformation persists, fueling the ongoing struggle.