There is rising disenchantment among students of the Federal University, Otuoke over the recent decision by the institution authority to increase school fees by 50 per cent.
The fees was increased to N78,500 for Non-Sciences, N90,500 for Sciences, N107,500 for Medical Sciences and N100,500 for Law Students.
While the Students Union Government led by Comrade ZoloTolomokizee met with the institution’s management over the development and secure a reduction of N9,000 from the N78,500 for the Non-Science students, 11,000 reduction for the Science Students fee of 90,500, N13,000 from the N107,500 from the Medical Science fee and N13,000 from the Law students fee of N100,500.
According to the SUG PRO, Comrade Victor Ebibralade, the reduction in the fees was due to the efforts of the students leadership insistence that a review should be made.
But the students of the Institution are however dissatisfied with the outcome of negotiation between the SUG leadership and the Institution management, insisting that the increment in fees is not commensurate with facilities available for studies.
Most of the students on the Social media platforms complained that the latest increment in school fees is the second in the series.
According to a student identified as KpB, the Federal University Otuoke management has increased school fees again and this is the second time in a row.
“The reason remains the same: according to management, the university explained to the government the increment is happening because of rising institutional costs.”
“But questions are flying… why release this press statement now when students are not even in school as last exams ended yesterday? Some says what’s the cost rising the institution is referring to ?”This development has left many students heartbroken.”
Another 400 level Student of Sociology, identified as Charles, told our correspondent that the SUG leadership have failed the students with the outcome of such agreement.
According to him,”Enough is enough I’m calling out on the SuG president comrade Big Zolo and his subordinate. Why another increment of school fees.I’m calling out on you big Zolo this is selfish of you to agree with the school authorities on this school fees issues.”
“Most of our parents are struggling to see us through school. If i pay this amount of school fees, will there be adequate learning space?Will there be enough sites that will contain the increasing students population?Will there be power supply?. These are the issues!’
“Even lecturers are complaining of good and conducive office spaces or teaching environment. And the fact that their salaries are not enough to feed their families.The institution keep increasing fees and collecting monies and nothing is being done in the school.”
Another student, identified as Benny Omini expressed her disappointment over the development, describing it as painful,”Not again. And to think that this school was my first choice because of low cost of school fees. Now within the period of 1 year, school fees has been increased twice.”
“For God sake this is a federal university! Our school fees are not for staff salaries! Even the so-called development, no evidence. My Faculty does not even have a personal building.”
” We hustle and move from hall to hall in-search of a proper lecture room. There are no good and enough chairs, no light, bad toilets, the school clinic lacks enough drugs etc… and to top it, they’re introducing new faculties.”
“Landlords will hear this and still increase house rent. Are we meant to suffer as students?? Indeed, this system is messed up!”
