The Great Ife Students’ Union school fees review committee has sent a message to the generality of students, and the general public to express their displeasure on the minimal school fees reduction made by the university management and also to back up the union order to students not to make any payment yet until the Union says otherwise.
Recall it was earlier reported by ACJOAU, that the management of the institution after meeting with the leadership of the union on Monday 25th, released a statement stating reduction in the earlier increased school fees to be paid in the 2022/2023 academic session.
Thereafter, the union reacted to the minimal reduction, claiming their meeting with the management ended in deadlock stating that no agreement was reached between both parties before the release from the management, therefore urged the students not to make payment for now till the union revert back.
The school fees review committee, a 5-man committee which was set up during the congress that held on Monday, 18th September, 2023 to throughly examine the rationale behind the university management proposed school fees increment.
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In a Press Statement made available to ACJOAU by the chairman of the committee, Olugbade Majeed, the committee expressed its displeasure to the management decision to implement a meagre reduction in the initially proposed school fees following a deadlock meeting with the union’s leadership on Monday.
According to the statement, the committee upon constitution swung into action by reviewing the accounts of the past meeting between the union leadership and the management, conducted a comprehensive examination of the proposed breakdown, conducted research, engaged in consultations, and met with the management’s representatives. Thereafter, the committee deduced that the management initial proposed 300% fees increase is unconvincing and significantly deficient and also, the management failed to guarantee improvement in quality of education and learning conditions, instead repeatedly asserting that the increase is next to “sustain” the present state of the University.
Furthermore, the committee provided a counterproposal of a 50% reduction of the initially proposed school fees , which is equivalent to the maximum 100% increase limit agreed upon at the congress. After which the professional levy imposed on students of the College of Health Sciences, as well as studio charges imposed on students of the Faculty Of Law, Administration, Arts and Social Sciences was outrightly rejected.
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The management argued that the federal government no longer funds the operations of the public universities, but only covers staff salaries. This act from the federal government, according to the university required the fees to be increased in order to the university efficiently. The claim which can not be asserted to be true or not by the committee was condemned because they firmly believe that the students should not bear the burden of the government.
Analysing the fundamental objective behind the establishment of public universities, which is to make quality education accessible to the general public. It is ironic that Obafemi Awolowo University which over the years has earned a reputation for delivering high quality education at affordable fees rate has such a ridiculous school fees increase being imposed on students. Moreover, the institution which was named after the late sage and elder statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who championed the cause of free education which most academic community benefited from during their student day is now on the risk of undermining the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the core values upon which the institution was built.
Agreeing that public institution in the nation require an urgent injection of financial capital to upgrade the quality of education, enhance learning conditions, improve staff welfare, and meet global standard. However, this much needed funding should come from a bone of contention as it is strongly believe that the government and university administrator have roles to play, most especially in a developing country like Nigeria where there is exceptionally high rate of poverty and a substantially population of out-of-school children. Therefore, it is imperative that the government recognizes the vital roles that universities play in the nation’s development and invests accordingly in their stainability and growth.
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Nevertheless, the committee implores the management to reconsider their stance on the proposed fees and seek to explore creative and equitable means of funding such as research grants and contracts, philanthropy and rendering of innovative services to ensure the continued functioning of the university without overburdening the students. Urging the management to remain open to negotiation conducted in good faith, which can provide solution that ensure the university continues to thrive for generation to come. Consequently, the Alumni community of the institution were called on to to solidarize with the Students’ Union and intervene with the students current plight as the esteemed graduate of the institution. As their support can make a significant impact and through advocacy, their involvement can help preserve the legacy of affordable, quality education that Obafemi Awolowo University stands for.
The students were hereby called upon by the committee to remain resolute in this struggle and not make any payment until the union leadership reaches a consensus with the university management as an injury to one is an injury to all.
Finally, expressing that the two C out of the three C(s) of Aluta have been exhausted as the union have consulted and consolidated, and if push comes to shove, will be left with no other option than confrontation. As there can only be a stable calendar if, the students have a stable mind.
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More solidarities have ensued from various quarters following the release from the University management on the reduction of the fees, and that of the Students’ Union urging all students not to pay any fee until a final conclusion is reached. Some indigenous and faculty associations have thrown their weight behind the Students’ Union, standing in solidarity with the students in the struggle for a reasonable reduction.
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A statement from the National Association of Osun State Students’ (NAOSS), Obafemi Awolowo University signed by the President, Adedapo Taiwo Emmanuel and General Secretary, Babatunde Qudus Abiodun urge all members of the association to adhere to the instructions given by the leadership of the student union not to pay the revised amount released by the management whenever the portal is activated.
The Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU-OAU Chapter) led by Ms. Akindele Abibat also expressed their solidarity and joined voices with the Students’ Union in clamoring for humane reduction on the school charges. In the statement, ‘this body of indigenous association see education as a fundamental right of individuals that should be made accessible and financially-convenient especially for the masses in which its intended for.’
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The leadership of some other indigenous associations like National Association of Ondo State Students’ led by Akinmuwagun Gideon, Federation of Igbo Students led by Dillion C. Ogbuechi have also put out a statement showing their support in the union’s struggle. Also, the leadership of the Angola Hall of Residence in a statement has requested that all members of the hall (fresh and stale) to refrain from making any form of payments until the Union says otherwise.
Some faculty and departmental associations like Technology and Engineering Students’ Association (TESA), Education Students’ Association of Nigeria (ESAN), Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN), through statements from their leadership have drummed support to the Students’ Union directive stating, imploring and urging their members to support the leadership of the Union in their quest for a reasonable reduction in the school fees charges.
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