UI Students Protest Fee Hike And Power Rationing
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Posted 1 year ago at 9:41 pm on Sunday, September 01, 2024 by Admin
The University of Ibadan (UI) is experiencing student protests due to recent changes on campus, including a new electricity rationing schedule and a substantial increase in tuition fees. The protests began late Tuesday and have carried on into Wednesday as students express their discontent.
What Sparked the Protest
On Tuesday, an internal memo from O.A . Adetolu, Director of the Works and Maintenance Department, instructed the Chief Engineer (Electrical) to implement a new electricity supply schedule, approved by the Vice-Chancellor. The schedule is as follows:
- Daytime: 8 am – 2 pm
- Nighttime: 10 pm – 2 am
This announcement immediately incited student outrage, leading to a protest that continued into the early hours of Wednesday.
Protest Details
Students assembled at the university gate with placards, demanding changes. According to sources, the protest started late Tuesday night and persisted into early Wednesday morning. Student union leaders, including President Aweda Bolaji, General Secretary Ogundijo Japheth, and Speaker Opegbemi Busoye, issued a statement suspending all lectures and transportation services on campus for Wednesday.
Student Union's Demands
The student union has outlined several key demands:
1. Withdrawal of the Electricity Rationing Memo: Students demand the reversal of the 10-hour electricity rationing policy and insist on a consistent power supply.
2. Reversal of Fee Hikes: The students call for the reversal of recent tuition fee increases and the removal of additional fees like the ₦20,000 utility levy. They also demand refunds for students who have already paid these increased fees.
3. End to Alleged Victimization: The union condemns the alleged victimization of three students—Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegeshin, and Nice Linus—who participated in a peaceful protest on May 13, 2024, and calls for an end to these actions.
Continued Mobilization
The student union has called on its members to continue protesting from 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 demonstrates the students' resolve to oppose policies they consider unfair, aiming to secure better conditions and fair treatment on campus.
What Sparked the Protest
On Tuesday, an internal memo from O.A . Adetolu, Director of the Works and Maintenance Department, instructed the Chief Engineer (Electrical) to implement a new electricity supply schedule, approved by the Vice-Chancellor. The schedule is as follows:
- Daytime: 8 am – 2 pm
- Nighttime: 10 pm – 2 am
This announcement immediately incited student outrage, leading to a protest that continued into the early hours of Wednesday.
Protest Details
Students assembled at the university gate with placards, demanding changes. According to sources, the protest started late Tuesday night and persisted into early Wednesday morning. Student union leaders, including President Aweda Bolaji, General Secretary Ogundijo Japheth, and Speaker Opegbemi Busoye, issued a statement suspending all lectures and transportation services on campus for Wednesday.
Student Union's Demands
The student union has outlined several key demands:
1. Withdrawal of the Electricity Rationing Memo: Students demand the reversal of the 10-hour electricity rationing policy and insist on a consistent power supply.
2. Reversal of Fee Hikes: The students call for the reversal of recent tuition fee increases and the removal of additional fees like the ₦20,000 utility levy. They also demand refunds for students who have already paid these increased fees.
3. End to Alleged Victimization: The union condemns the alleged victimization of three students—Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegeshin, and Nice Linus—who participated in a peaceful protest on May 13, 2024, and calls for an end to these actions.
Continued Mobilization
The student union has called on its members to continue protesting from 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 demonstrates the students' resolve to oppose policies they consider unfair, aiming to secure better conditions and fair treatment on campus.