By Maureen Owobu

After the increment of school fees came as a shock to many students and caused high tensions, the SUG swung into action and demanded an explanation from the management, which was said to be the first step to any productive dialogue. The UNIBEN SUG (Student Union Government) met with the management to discuss on the increment of school fees. The SUG argued that the increase was too high and would definitely cause a dent in the students’ finances. The management explained that the increase was necessary due to the rising cost of running the university as the university was currently underfunded.

The Union further discovered that the school fees increment was not only in UNIBEN, as other schools had done the same. After hours of dialogue an agreement was finally reached by the management and the union. They agreed that:

1. The new students will be allowed to pay the fees in two installments. The “no school fees, no exam” policy in the first semester will be removed.
2. Additional charges for late payment will also be removed and committees will be set up across departments and faculties to identify real indigenous students and provide them with assistance.
3. The best students across faculties at all levels will be given tuition-free scholarships for the next academic session. Students will no longer be sent home during the short first semester break.

The SUG was still trying to push for one more reduction when the management made it known that it will not be possible to reduce the fees any further. The school fees for old students will remain at N45,000 and that there will be no increase in their own fees while the new students are to pay N105,000 for non-science students and N115,000 for those in the sciences. The subsequent fees for both groups of students will be N85,000 and N95,000 respectively.

In conclusion, the SUG swore its commitment to representing the students and fighting for the best interests of the students. The SUG has said that it will continue to fight for the rights of students and ensure that they are not exploited.

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