Students of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State took to the streets on Monday to protest against a proposed increase in school fees. The students, in a letter dated January 12, referred to the fee hike as “inconsiderate and unnecessary.”
The protest prompted the university management to issue a statement announcing the indefinite postponement of the resumption for the 2023–2024 academic session. Additionally, the payment of school fees, which was initially scheduled to begin on Monday, has been suspended. The management also directed all current on-campus students and those in university hostels to vacate within 24 hours.
According to a statement from the university, “The management of the Federal University of Technology Akure has ordered the indefinite postponement of the resumption of students for the 2023–2024 academic session.”
A student, identified as Femi, expressed concerns about the proposed fee increase, stating that it would exacerbate the challenges faced by students, especially those struggling financially. He emphasized the impact on students who work to support themselves, questioning how they would afford such a substantial fee increase in a federal university.
The president of the students’ union, Olayemi Oluwasoromidayo, conveyed the collective sentiment in a letter to the university management, stating that the proposed fee increments were “inconsiderate and unnecessary” given that school fees were raised just eight months ago.
A video circulating online captured the protest scenes, with hundreds of students chanting, holding placards with various messages, and some dancing to music played outside the school gate.
