UI’s Tuition Hike: A Recipe for Disaster, Written by Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho

The University of Ibadan’s management has once again demonstrated its callous disregard for students’ welfare, shutting down the institution for three weeks in response to peaceful protests against the recent tuition hike. This draconian measure is a stark reminder of the administration’s adamant attitude towards student dissent, rooted in the fact that many staff members are products of UI themselves.

Having risen through the ranks, these individuals seem to have forgotten the struggles they once faced as students. They now view protests as a mere inconvenience, a nuisance to be silenced rather than a legitimate expression of grievances. This attitude is not only condescending but also dangerous, as it ignores the very real financial burdens that students face.

The tuition hike is a slap in the face to students who are already struggling to make ends meet. By prioritizing profits over people, the management is essentially telling students that their education is less important than the institution’s bottom line. This is unacceptable and only serves to fuel the flames of resistance.

But what’s even more egregious is the betrayal from the UI Students’ Union Council, who have compromised with the school management, abandoning their fellow students in their time of need. This betrayal is a stab in the back, a clear indication that the union has failed in its duty to represent and protect the interests of students.

The students’ determination to continue their protests despite the management’s heavy-handed response and the union’s betrayal is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their rights. It’s time for the UI administration to engage in constructive dialogue with students, rather than relying on authoritarian measures to silence them.

The three-week break is merely a temporary Band-Aid on a deeper wound. The management must address the root causes of the protests and work towards finding a sustainable solution that benefits all stakeholders. Anything less would be a dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the trust placed in them.

It’s time for the UI management and the Students’ Union Council to remember that they were once students themselves and that their role is to serve and support, not suppress and silence. The students will not be silenced, and their demands must be met.