The University of Ibadan (UI) management has declared a three-week break for students in response to recent protests over the institution’s fee increments. The decision was communicated through an internal memo issued by the institution’s registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Saliu, and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday.
According to the memo, the break will commence on Saturday, with students expected to return by September 20. The decision to implement the break was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, on behalf of the university’s Senate, following a management meeting held with the Students’ Union on Friday.
Saliu explained that the break would provide students with sufficient time to complete their online registrations ahead of the 2023/2024 first semester examinations, which are scheduled to begin on September 23. He emphasized that the portal for registration would close on September 20, with no plans to reopen it afterward for fee payments or course registrations.
“Students who do not register appropriately will not be allowed to write examinations,” Saliu stated, underscoring the importance of adhering to the registration deadlines.
In line with the management’s directive, all students were instructed to vacate the campus by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The halls of residence are set to reopen at noon on September 20, allowing students to return and prepare for their upcoming exams.
The protests, which began on Thursday, were sparked by the university’s decision to increase school fees—a move approved by the Senate and upheld by the institution’s Governing Council. The indefinite protest was organized by the Students’ Union, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among the student body over the fee hike.
This break marks a critical juncture for both the university management and the students, as they navigate the ongoing tensions surrounding the fee increments. The administration’s decision to allow a break appears to be a strategic move to de-escalate the situation while ensuring that academic activities can proceed as planned after the students’ return.
