By Ejiofor Toochi
Students of the University Of Lagos (UNILAG), in July, received a major shock as they witnessed a significant increase of over 400% in their school fees.
The news of the increment was initially announced in February by the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola.
However, nothing prepared the students and their parents when the school management dropped the exact fees. Students who previously paid 19,000 and 16,000 were now required to pay 190,250 and 160,250 respectively.
READ ALSO:From N19,000 to N190,250: Student lament as UNILAG hikes tuition fees
This news was met with strong opposition from the students and their parents as they cried against the outrageous increment. It eventually led to the rise of the “Students Solidarity Group Against Fee Hike” to advocate for reduction of the fees.
Through online protests, the Solidarity group pushed for the school management to reconsider their decision, but to no avail.Finally, at the end of August, they officially declared September 6th as the date for the physical protest.
The March Against Fee Hike
The news of the protest was however received with mixed reactions. Given that Unilag is still on break, one would assume that distance will be a major barrier for student’s participation.
Surprisingly, a significant number of students lack motivation to participate in the protest. They have expressed doubts about the school management’s willingness to reconsider their decision, and have made the choice not to participate in the protest.
An example is a 500 level student, Ayomi who believes the school has made their final decision. He said, “I feel the protest is the right approach, but I doubt if the school would take it seriously. You know how politicians are like “give it two weeks, something else would take over the news”, that’s how I see this playing out.
“There’s power in the voice of the common man, however injustice isn’t new under the sun. The school authorities may overlook it after a few days,” he added.
Some students, on the other hand, expressed concerns about the indemnity form, which prevents them from participating in a protest. Daniel, who is in his final year, is also hesitant to participate due to fears of the former, and of casualties.
“We’re just afraid it might be hijacked by hoodlums and the students on the protest ground will have to pay for it,” he disclosed.
As a security measure, Unilag has closed the second gate and stationed security at the main gate.
They clarified that while they support peaceful student protests, they will take appropriate measures to safeguard the institution’s property and the well-being of its community.
Regardless of the indemnity form or the new security measures taken, many students are still determined to fight for their rights.
“We can’t just just sit back and watch ourselves drop out from school. The only way we can fight for ourselves is by protesting, and letting the school know that we do not accept this. We don’t have the financial capability to afford these fees,” Favour declared.
READ ALSO: UNILAG increases fees despite denying rumours of additional increment
