On Friday, the students’ union of the University of Ibadan rejected a school fee hike approved by the institution’s governing council.

To show their disapproval, the students staged an overnight protest from 10:20 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

The president of the union, Bolaji Aweda, vice-president Bolutife Aboderin and secretary Daniel Elemide, in a statement, said, “We reject the decision made by the council. We are embarking on a boycott of classes until our demands are fulfilled.

“We demand a reversal of the increase. The students demand that the school fees portal should be shut down within 24 hours until our demands were met.”

The union leaders urged students to make use of social media platforms to mobilise others on the  #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES until their demands are met.

On Thursday, the school’s governing council approved the increase in tuition fees from 100 to 400 levels and also fixed the deadline for payment.

In a statement signed by the registrar and secretary to the council, G.O. Saliu, the decision was reached at the inaugural meeting of the council held earlier on Thursday, and it considered the new levy as recommended by the senate of the university.

The council said students who had not completed their registration were advised to do so on or before September 4.

“Consequently, students who are yet to pay and complete their registration exercises are advised to do so, on or before September 4, to enable departments to download lists of registered students in preparation for the first semester examination,” the statement said.

Additionally, the council urged students to take advantage of financial aid such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and various scholarships offered by the university and other benefactors to assist indigent students.

The council also made it clear that there would be no extension of the registration deadline, as the portal will be closed after the specified date.

“Council equally directed that students be encouraged to take advantage of the students’ loan fund (NELFUND) and sundry scholarships instituted by the university and other weil-meaning philanthropists, to cater for indigent students.

“Above is for strict adherence as the portal will not be opened after the deadline,” the university stated.

The deadline for paying school fees was initially suspended following a protest in July.

(NAN)