The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has decided to lessen the controversial 300% tuition fee hike by 15% in response to widespread criticism from students and stakeholders.
The initial fee increase had sparked outrage, prompting student unions to threaten protests against the university’s management.
In an official statement, OAU’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, announced the adjustment and emphasized the university’s commitment to addressing students’ concerns.
This decision was reached after a lengthy meeting with student leaders on Monday, during which the university’s management engaged in discussions with student representatives.
According to Olarewaju, “In a rare display of administrative magnanimity, the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have revised downward the sundry charges payable by the students of the University.”
He went on to explain that the meeting was called by the university’s management following numerous student union protests demanding a 50% reduction in the initial charges approved by the institution.
However, the management clarified that the new charges represented the minimum required for the university to operate efficiently.
Olarewaju continued, “The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, graciously announced that the charges initially announced have been reduced as follows: For students in Humanities, the initial sundry charges of #89,200 for returning students have been reduced to #76,000, while new students in the Humanities will pay #131,000 instead of the initial #151,200.”
He further explained, “For those in the Sciences and Technology, the initial charges of #101,200 for returning students have been reduced to #86,000, while new students in the same Faculties will now pay #141,000 instead of the initial #163,200.”
Olarewaju also outlined adjustments for students in the Pharmacy and College of Health Sciences, adding that the university’s management has agreed to allow payment in two equal installments.
Furthermore, he informed students that the university’s portal is now open for fee payment.
