By Bliss Okperan and Precious Olisa
Students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, have staged a peaceful protest against the hike in tuition fees by the management.
The aggrieved students gathered at the school’s premises to express their dissatisfaction over the development, calling on the authorities to reverse the action.
As reflected on the institution’s portal, new students are expected to pay N230,000 for the 2023/2024 session compared with the previous fee of N76,500, representing about 200 per cent, while the returning students are to pay N180,000, about 135 per cent higher than the N76,500 they previously paid.
The management disclosed that an increase was necessary due to the high cost of maintaining academic standards and improving the quality of facilities in the institution.
But the students were not happy with this decision, carrying placards to register their displeasure.
The Students’ Union President (SUG), Mr Akinjetan Emmanuel, said the protest aims to send a strong message to the university management.
“We refuse to accept this burden on our shoulders. It is crucial that we continue to raise our voices and make our concerns heard. By participating in the protest, we are advocating for a fair and affordable education,” he said.
“Our attention has been drawn to the university’s decision to increase our school fees on the portal. We firmly believe that this fee increment is unjust and places an unnecessary burden on students.
“Education is a right, and it should be accessible to all. We want to assure you that we are actively working to address this issue. We will engage in communication with the university management to express our concerns and negotiate for a fair and affordable education.
“Meanwhile, we encourage each one of you to stand together and say No to this fee increment. We must unite as a strong and collective voice to make our concerns heard,” he added.
Modupe Gbadeyanka