The protest by some students of the University of Ibadan on Friday, 20th September, 2024, condemning the school fee hike, has concluded at the Students’ Union Building with two resolutions, UIMSA Press gathers.
The two resolutions, which are; Hall-to-hall sensitisation on Saturday and Sunday with convergence to begin by 1 PM at the Students Union Building, and public action on Monday, 23rd September, 2024, were arrived at sometime after 3 PM, a conclusion to the demonstration which spanned several key areas in the university.
Earlier in the day, protesters had been stationed at the University’s Main Gate. One of the leaders of the protests, Ayodele Aduwo called for the presence of the UI Students’ Union executives, emphasising the need for representative leadership in a time of crisis. He condemned the university management actions, recalling his previous arrest. There was equal criticism of the sharp hike in school fees and possible implications of the increased fees, such as the risk of driving some students into prostitution or suicide, were addressed.
As the numbers grew, students marched to the Tekena Tamuno Building, slowing down traffic along Oduduwa Road. A slight confrontation between some of the protesters and a group of University staff, occurred along the way, with staff expressing frustration at the presence of non-UItes among the protesters. This soon resolved with the protesters proceeding to the Students’ Union Building where eventual deliberations took place.
The UIMSA Press notes that yesterday, there was considerable security presence in front of the Main Gate.
Recall that the University announced an extension to the deadline for payment of fees to Tuesday, 24th September, 2024, following the fresh round of loan disbursement from the NELFUND.
Rodiyah Khidir
