Students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, took to the Benin-Ore expressway in protest against the recently increased tuition fees imposed by the university’s management. The protest, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, aimed to pressure the administration to reduce the tuition fees.
The students’ demonstration blocked the expressway, causing disruptions in the area. They carried placards with messages expressing their grievances, such as ‘I am not into fraud, I cannot afford N180K,’ ‘Have mercy on our parents, we cannot afford N180K and above,’ ‘Say no to increment, TASUED Sorosoke, do not suffocate us,’ and ‘Should I go and steal to pay school fees?’ among others.
In response to the tuition fee increase, students boycotted the 2022/2023 second-semester examinations scheduled for the day, following a statement from the students’ union that was released to the public. The statement, signed by the union president and spokesperson, expressed the students’ concerns and advocated for a solution that considers the financial circumstances of the university community.
The management had proposed a 10 percent reduction in the fees, which was not accepted by the students, leading to a deadlock in negotiations. As a result, the university declared an end-of-session holiday for the 2022/2023 academic session, even as the second-semester examinations were ongoing. All students were directed to vacate the premises, and parents were advised to ensure the safety of their wards.
The initial protest was against a tuition fee increase that raised fees from approximately N65,000 to N70,000 to N240,000, affecting both returning and fresh students.
The protest reflects the ongoing issues surrounding tuition fees and access to education in Nigeria, which students are advocating against to make education more affordable and accessible.