OAU Students Demand Reversal Of Extension Of Stay In Hostel Fee

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, have condemned the management’s decision to charge students for extending their stay in the hostel, demanding complete reversal of fees imposed.

The students stands was revealed in a statement signed by the Chairman and as General Secretary of Students’ Union’s Electoral Commission, Taofeek Ogunperi, and Damilare Olayinka, respectively.

Osun Defender reports that the Division of Student Affairs of the institution had in a notice dated August 2, 2024, mandated students involved in extended statutory activities to pay a total of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000) to remain in the hostel.

Following the notice issued by the Division of students affairs of the institution, the union in turn sent a press statement, demanding complete reversal of fees for extended stay in hostel for students having their Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Teaching Practice (TP), Long Essay Projects, and other critical academic commitments.

The union also noted that the ongoing national unrest has created a hazardous environment, making it extremely challenging for many students to safely leave the campus and pursue their academic activities without putting their personal well-being at risk.

The statement reads, “We acknowledge the notice from the Division of Student Affairs sent Friday, 2 August 2024, regarding the extension of stay in the Hall of Residence for students engaged in extended but statutory academic activities.

“However, we must express our firm stance against the mandated payment of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000) via Remita and an additional Five Hundred Naira (N500) in cash for this extension. Our objections are rooted in the following concerns:

“Ongoing Statutory Academic Activities: Many students are still actively involved in statutory academic programs such as the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), teaching practice, long essay projects, and other critical academic commitments. Furthermore, medical students are still in session, requiring continued residence on campus.

“National Unrest: The current state of unrest and ongoing protests in the country has created a volatile environment. As a result, many students are unable to travel safely, making it imperative for them to remain on campus where they can continue their academic activities without risking their personal safety.

“Given these circumstances, we strongly urge the Division of Student Affairs to reconsider and reverse the imposed fees. The welfare and academic success of our students should be prioritized, especially during these challenging times.

“We call upon the university administration to support our students by providing the necessary accommodations without additional financial strain. We trust that the administration will respond positively to this appeal in the interest of justice and fairness.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olanrewaju said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.

He promised to get back to our reporter after getting the details.

“In the first instance, I have not been briefed. I have not been around. It is when I get to campus today that I will find out. So, because ordinarily, the students are charged hostel accommodation fee per session and the session has ended. So any other thing is extraneous. I will find out when I get back to school,” he said.