UI Students Protest Fee Hike and Power Rationing: The University of Ibadan (UI) is currently witnessing a student protest over recent changes affecting campus life. This includes a new electricity rationing schedule and a significant hike in tuition fees. The protest began late Tuesday and has continued into Wednesday, with students voicing their dissatisfaction.
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| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Protest Start | Tuesday night |
| Issue 1 | 10-hour electricity rationing |
| Issue 2 | Tuition fee hike |
| Memo Date | July 16, 2024 |
| Power Hours | 8 am – 2 pm, 10 pm – 2 am |
| Demands | End power rationing, reverse fee hike |
| Key Figures | Aweda Bolaji, Ogundijo Japheth, Opegbemi Busoye |
The Trigger for the Protest
On Tuesday, an internal memo from the Director of the Works and Maintenance Department, O.A Adetolu, instructed the Chief Engineer (Electrical) to implement a 10-hour daily electricity supply on campus. The memo, approved by the Vice-Chancellor, specified the new schedule:
- Daytime: 8 am – 2 pm
- Nighttime: 10 pm – 2 am
This announcement sparked outrage among students, leading to an immediate protest that lasted until early Wednesday morning.
Details of the Protest
Students gathered at the university gate, carrying placards and demanding changes. A source revealed that the protest began late Tuesday night and continued into the early hours of Wednesday. The student union leaders, including President Aweda Bolaji, General Secretary Ogundijo Japheth, and Speaker Opegbemi Busoye, issued a statement declaring a halt to all lectures and transportation services within the campus for Wednesday.
Student Union’s Demands
The student union outlined several key demands:
- Withdrawal of the Electricity Rationing Memo: Students demand a reversal of the 10-hour electricity rationing policy and insist on a constant power supply.
- Reversal of Fee Hikes: The students call for the reversal of recent tuition fee hikes and the elimination of additional fees such as the ₦20,000 utility levy. They also demand refunds for students who have already paid these increased fees.
- End to Alleged Victimization: The union condemned the alleged victimization of three students—Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegeshin, and Nice Linus—who participated in a peaceful protest on May 13, 2024. They call for an end to these alleged retaliatory actions.
Ongoing Mobilization
The student union has urged its members to continue the protest starting at 5:00 am on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. They plan to use all available resources, including the Aluta Jet and public address system, to mobilize students for the ongoing protest.
This protest reflects the students’ determination to stand against policies they find unjust, aiming to secure better conditions and fair treatment on campus.
