University of Ibadan Shuts Down for Three Weeks Amidst Student Protests Over Fee Hike

The University of Ibadan (UI) has announced a three-week closure following intense student protests against recent fee increases.

The decision, effective from August 31 to September 20, 2024, was confirmed by the institution’s registrar, Ganiyu Saliu, in an internal memo obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). “All students have been directed to vacate the campus by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday in strict compliance with the management’s directives,” stated Saliu.

The break, approved by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale after discussions with the Students' Union, aims to provide students ample time to complete their online registrations before the portal closes on September 20. “The 2023/2024 first semester examinations will start on Sept. 23 and the portal for registration will be closed on Sept. 20.

There will be no re-opening of the portal for fee payment or course registration after Sept. 20. Students who do not register appropriately will not be allowed to write examinations,” Saliu emphasized.

The university's Governing Council, led by Chief Adebisi Akande, cited economic realities and the commitment to quality education as reasons for the fee hike.

Despite sympathizing with the students, the council maintained that the review was necessary.

They encouraged students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and other scholarships available.

The protests began on Thursday, with students expressing their dissatisfaction with the fee increments approved by the university’s senate and upheld by the Governing Council.

The council had reviewed the schedule of levies for newly admitted and returning undergraduate students for the 2023/2024 academic session during its inaugural meeting.

“The halls of residence will be reopened for students from noon on Sept. 20,” added Saliu, indicating that normalcy is expected to resume shortly before the commencement of exams.