UI management justifies fees increment

By: Tomori Uriel

The University of Ibadan has justified the rationale for the fees increments by the university management, in a message which went viral on social media.

In a statement released by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, he said, "at a point where it is difficult to continue to subside the running of the Halls of Residence and carry out some academic functions without a slight adjustment in accommodation charges and in some fee items payable by students in some faculties.   In adjusting the fees, members of the public are to note that it is only the increase in accommodation fees that cuts across students who desire to stay in the Halls of Residence. It should also be noted that residency in the Halls of Residence is optional, and indeed, only about 30% of our students can find accommodation in the Halls of Residence. It is also important to note that the Federal Government, many years back, had stopped providing funds for the running of the Halls. As a result, the University spends about 100 Million Naira over what is collected as accommodation fees, for the running of the Halls. The University is no longer in a position to continue to provide this subsidy. "

He added that, the University has also been very objective in adjusting some other fee items. According to him, the fees were only adjusted for students in the Faculties of Arts,  Agriculture,  Renewable Natural Resources,  and Pharmacy. Even in these faculties, the fees are limited to categories of students requiring the academic service for which an increase has been approved."

He further stated that, only 400 level students in the Faculties of Agriculture, and Renewable Natural Resources are to pay additional 2,500 Naira for the entre session, which include students in their practical year, stating that, other students in these two Faculties are not to pay these fees. "In the Faculty of Arts also, only 200 and 300 level students in six departments are to pay the Studio Maintenance fees. Students in Departments without studios are exempted from this fee," he added.

According to the Vice Chancellor, fees payable by students in the Faculties of the Social Sciences, Law, Education, Science, and Technology have not been adjusted for the coming session.  Also, students in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine who are to handle animals would be required to obtain Immunization card in order to ensure safety.