By Emmanuel Akano.
Amidst the effects of the crippling and fast decelerating economy ravaging the country known to be the giant of Africa, where soaring inflation and “strangled” survival of the masses is now a norm, the latest blow to the already beleaguered and pressured students of the University of Ibadan has left many clueless, hopeless and devastated. The recent bombshell implementation of a massive fee hike has become the latest flashpoint of debate over it’s affordability and accessibility. With over 100% increase in bundled fees, many of the students are beginning to feel that the once “free” education has now become a political campaign manifesto – promised and never implemented. This has brought about questions by the students of the University’s commitment and the Government’s support to their education.
With pockets emptied and futures uncertain, we ask the ones who matter the most – the students- to share their thoughts, fears, frustrations and probably better ideas, in a bid to save the leaders of tomorrow. Different sets of students were interviewed ranging from freshers to finalists, and each one of them had something to say as regards the fee increase.
Joy, a finalist in UI said the increase in the fees have affected her “..negatively..” She also said noted that she has added some side jobs to support herself while in school. Further questions asked were;
Interviewer: “Did you consider/think of opting out as a student.”
Respondent: ” Well, me as a finalist, there’s no way I should opt out. I have no choice, I’ve gone through 4 years+, giving up now is a waste of time. ”
The second respondent was Imoleayo Oluwatosin, a 200 level student.
Interviewer: Seeing the increase in UI’s fees, do you plan to work alongside academics to support your parents?
Respondent: Yeah, I am. I am a network marketer, that is where I get my urgent 5k from.
Interviewer: Do you think UI made a right decision by increasing the fees?
Respondent: “… I think the reason they are increasing the fees because the lecturers are not getting paid enough and if they believe if they increase it they can get funds… It’s too much, I’m not a fresher and I’m paying 200 + ”
Also, another stalite was interviewed to weigh another point of view. Motunrayo, a 300 level student.
Interviewer: How has the increase in fee affected you?
Respondent: ” Well, I don’t know how to pay my school fees if they don’t reduce it,…the money is much Sha, I Just pray they reduce it…”
Interviewer: Do you fund yourself?
Respondent: In some ways, but not…
Interviewer: Do you think it’s actually considerable that UI increased the fees, probably because pthey are not receiving funds from the government.?
Respondent: They don’t have a reason to increase the fee…because… there’s no improvement in the facilities..nothing changes..
Having heard staylites, new UI intakes were also asked on what they feel about the increase in fees?
David, a fresher of the department of Vet. Medicine;
Interviewer: I know you’ve had of UI before, probably one of the reasons you chose UI was its affordable fee, getting to UI and seeing that the fees have been skyrocketed, what was your impression about that?
Respondent: When we first came in, we had this motive of UI having the lowest fees…,but with the same force we entered, we got hit…😂, The fees was much, imagine preparing for a fee of 40,000/60,000/80,000 and you’re paying for about #400,000, it’s actually something that’s too painful to hear about, and looking at the cost of living right now….
Interviewer: Did you consider opting out?
Respondent: Well, based on me, opting out has never been an option, but for others, opting out is definitely an option… You can’t imagine studying a 6-year course and paying 400,000 asides other fees
Interviewer: Do you intend having side jobs or “hustles” to support your parents?
Respondent: “..I would like to have a side job..but we have to see what we can do about, even the government has to do something about creating funding avenues, scholarships…”
From optimism to outrage, their voices reveal the true cost of higher education. Delayed dreams, daunted determinations and their fears for the future has caused many students pleading to the powers that be and hoping for a restored accessible education.
AASA PRESS UI 