By O.V.Collins
The University of Benin has reversed the 100% increase in school charges for returning students admitted before the 2022/2023 academic session. This reversal comes after an agreement was reached between the university management and student leaders concerning the school charges following a series of negotiations and protests by the student body.
In a memo released by the SUG earlier today, students were encouraged to contribute their views to improve student welfare. Recall that on June 20, 2023, the University of Benin Management announced an increase in school fees for both newly admitted students and returning students. The reason cited for this increment was the rising cost of running the university, exacerbated by reduced financial assistance from the federal government. Importantly, it was stated that this fee increase was not exclusive to Uniben but would affect federal universities across Nigeria.
Following this development, student leaders, including representatives from the Student Union Government (SUG), faculty governors, mayors, and faculty speakers, engaged in discussions with the university’s management. The student leaders presented a set of demands, including a reduction in the proposed fee increment, exclusion of staylite students, the establishment of a scholarship scheme for indigent students, and the activation of installment payment options.
On June 30, 2023, the management accepted these proposals and made adjustments. The initially proposed school fee increment of ₦170,000-₦190,000 for newly admitted students was reduced to ₦105,000-₦115,000 for the first payment and ₦85,000-₦95,000 for subsequent payments. It was also particularly stated that there would be no increment for returning students.
However, on September 19, 2023, returning students were shocked to discover that their school fees had increased from ₦41,000-₦45,000 to ₦81,000-₦85,000. In response, the SUG issued a memo expressing their disappointment and directed all students not to make payments.
READ ALSO: UNIBEN Implements Drastic Fee Increase for Pre-2022/2023 Admissions, Sparking Campus Concern
In a show of unity, the student community, led by the student union and various student leaders, marched to the Dean of Students’ office to demand a complete reversal of the school fees increment. They gave the administration an 8-hour ultimatum to act.
To address the escalating situation, an emergency general assembly was convened, gathering a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including faculty and departmental executives, mayors, class representatives, and concerned students. The assembly united in its call for a total reversal of the school fees increment.
Following this, a meeting between the university management and student representatives occurred on September 22, 2023. The management, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Ray Ozuola, and the university’s Bursar, Dr. Victor Imagbe, reiterated their financial challenges due to the removal of fuel subsidies and the need for an increment to sustain the institution. They proposed a reduced increment of N30,000, but the student representatives remained steadfast in demanding a complete reversal.
In a second general assembly, held on September 23, 2023, students reiterated their stance on a minimal increment ranging from N10,000 to N15,000, installment payment options, scholarship grants for indigent students, and an improved work-study scheme.
Finally, in a meeting on the same day, student representatives, including SUG officials, faculty executives, and other stakeholders, engaged in further discussions with the university management. After hours of negotiation, the management agreed to reduce the increment from N40,000 (100 percent) to N15,000 (37.5 percent).
The situation is still being observed, with reactions emanating from the student community as the school portal opens for payment of fees for the returning students.