Another educational institution, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has taken a controversial step by increasing its school fees for both new and returning students in the upcoming academic session. In an official statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the fee adjustments were revealed in specific detail.
According to the announcement, new students enrolling in the Faculties of Arts, Law, and Humanities will face a tuition fee of N151,200, while returning students in these faculties will bear a cost of N89,200. On the other hand, new students entering the Faculties of Pharmacy and the College of Health Sciences will encounter a fee of N190,200, with returning students in these faculties paying N128,200.
The university has stated that these modifications will be effective starting from the 2023/2024 academic session. The reasoning behind this move, as articulated by the institution, is to establish a more equitable and balanced fee structure across all its faculties.
This development places OAU among the ranks of federal universities that have recently opted to raise their tuition fees. It is worth noting that this decision has not been without its share of controversy and protests.
Recalling the recent turmoil at the University of Lagos, where students held protests on two separate occasions due to fee hikes, and a similar uprising at the University of Jos, it’s evident that students across these institutions are grappling with the financial burden posed by increased tuition fees. In response, they have called on concerned parties for assistance.
The current economic hardships in Nigeria make it increasingly challenging for students to cover their educational expenses, potentially pushing some towards desperate measures for their livelihoods. This situation is undeniably disheartening and warrants serious consideration.
