University of Ibadan shut down for three weeks over tuition hike protest

August 31, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The management of the University of Ibadan has directed students to leave the school campus by 2 pm on Saturday.

This was due to a protest held on Friday by the Students Union body of the institution over a hike in tuition fees.

The students had staged a peaceful protest on Friday, carrying placards and blocking roads leading to the campus.

In a circular obtained by our correspondent, the institution’s registrar, G. O. Saliu, announced that the school would be shut for three weeks, effective Saturday, August 31, 2024, till September 20, 2024.

The decision was made after a meeting between the university’s management and the student union leadership on Friday.

All students are expected to vacate the campus by the stipulated time, as the institution will be closed for the next three weeks.

The development has left many students stranded, with some expressing disappointment and frustration over the sudden closure.

The circular read, “All students are to vacate the university campus by 2 pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

“The hostel will be reopened from noon on Friday, September 20, 2024.

“Students are therefore, to note the following: The three weeks is to give students ample time to complete their online registration, the 2023/2024 first semester examination will now start on Monday, 23 September 2024, and the period for registration will be closed on Friday, September 2p, 2024.

“The above is for information and strict compliance please.”

However, the Students Union body have decided not to back down on their ongoing protest until the management meet their demands.

According to the released by the union on Saturday, it reads “Following the University of Ibadan’s announcement of a three-week break, students are once again mobilising to resume their protests, which have been ongoing for the past three days.

“The memorandum, released earlier today by the Office of the Registrar, has sparked renewed anger among the student body, leading to calls for immediate action.

“The management’s decision, which mandates that all students vacate campus by 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 31, 2024, has been met with widespread criticism. Students perceive the break as a ploy to weaken the momentum of their protests against the recent hike in tuition fees.

“In response, student are rallying their peers to gather once more, with the intent to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.”