University of Ibadan (UI) Closure Due to Student Protests. The University of Ibadan (UI) has announced a three-week closure starting from Saturday, 31st August 2024, following protests against recent tuition fee increases. The decision, issued in a circular signed by Registrar G.O. Saliu, is intended to address the ongoing issues related to fee hikes and student registration.
Details of the Closure
- Effective Date: Saturday, 31st August 2024
- Reason for Closure: The shutdown follows student protests over increased tuition fees and a meeting between the university management and the Students Union.
- Purpose: The break is provided to allow students sufficient time to pay their fees and complete online registration.
Key Dates and Actions
- Examination Postponement: The first semester examinations, initially set to begin on 2nd September 2024, have been rescheduled to 23rd September 2024.
- Registration Portal: The portal will remain open until Friday, 20th September 2024. After this date, no further opportunities for fee payment or course registration will be available.
- Campus Vacate Deadline: All students must vacate the campus by 2:00 PM on Saturday, 31st August 2024.
Response from Other Institutions
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Support: The OAU Students Union has expressed solidarity with UI students, criticizing UI’s management for not upholding earlier promises and the unrealistic new deadline for fee payment.
- Criticism of NELFUND Loan Scheme: OAU’s union also criticized the short timeline for securing NELFUND loans proposed by UI management.
Call for Action
- Government Responsibility: The OAU Students Union called for government investment directly into universities rather than loan schemes.
- National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS): OAU urged NANS to join the fight for free education and support UI students in their opposition to the fee hikes.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions between university managements and student bodies regarding tuition fees and educational funding.
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