•••Coalition Demands Reversal of Fee Hike and Adequate Funding for Education
The Coalition for Students’ Advocacy and Transformation Fund (CSATF) has condemned the recent fee hike at the University of Ibadan and criticized the Nigerian government’s ongoing commercialization of public education.
The organization asserts that public education is a fundamental right, as outlined in Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution, yet the government has consistently failed to meet its obligations.
In a statement, the CSATF pointed out that Nigeria has never allocated the recommended 26% of its budget to education, with funding instead dwindling over the years.
The group blamed the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for promoting policies that further exacerbate the commercialization of education.
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These include instructing universities to seek alternative funding and the introduction of the Student Loan Act, which has placed an additional financial burden on students.
The fee increase at the University of Ibadan sparked significant protests in July, where students expressed their outrage. On August 29, 2024, the Governing Council, under Chief Bisi Akande, approved the fee hike despite students’ demands for a reversal.
This decision prompted further demonstrations, as students sought assurance that their voices would be heard.
Tensions escalated when the university administration issued a memorandum on August 31, mandating students to vacate their halls of residence.
The CSATF denounced this move as an attempt to suppress student protests, highlighting that essential services like electricity were cut off in the dormitories to further intimidate students.
As the payment deadline approaches, many students face heightened anxiety over their ability to meet the increased financial demands.
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The CSATF also criticized the Student Union leadership under Aweda Bolaji for failing to represent students effectively, alleging that they have collaborated with university management rather than supporting the student body.
Also, the management’s decision to restrict access to halls of residence based on fee payment status effectively excludes students from academic activities, creating a barrier to education for those who cannot afford the raised fees.
In light of these developments, the CSATF has called for a protest scheduled for September 20, 2024, urging students, parents, staff unions, and the broader community to join the fight for accessible and adequately funded public education.
The coalition emphasizes that education should not be treated as a privilege, but rather as a right supported by government resources, advocating for immediate reforms to ensure that no student is left behind.
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