The authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have reduced the school fees of the students.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Biodun Olarewaju, stated that the reduction, was for returning students in Science, Administration, Education (Science), Technology, Agriculture, Medicine, Dentistry, Medical Rehabilitation, Nursing and Pharmacy only.
However, the fees for returning undergraduates in Law, Arts, Social Sciences, Administration and Education (Arts) faculties remained N19, 700.
The newly admitted students of the OAU will also pay between N 82,400, N92,700 and N95,700 (acceptance fee inclusive), which was increased from the previously charged N37,150 and N42,150.
It would be recalled that OAU returning students previously paid between N5, 300, N7,800, N10, 300 and N12,800 per session before the increment.
With the reduction, the affected students will now pay between N27,700 and N29,700.
The statement by Olarewaju read, “In a rare show of administrative magnanimity in university management, Prof. Bamitale Omole has, again, proved that he runs an open and compassionate administration by graciously reducing the charges payable by the students of the OAU, Ile-Ife.
“The reduction is sequel to the appeals from various stakeholders and the meetings held with the Students’ Union leadership of OAU, National Association of Nigerian Students, Zone D South West, and other Students’ stakeholders within and outside the university.”
In a related development, academic activities have resumed on the university campus on Monday, after its two-month shutdown.
The management had closed the school on Wednesday, June 18, over protests by students against the increment in their school fees.
Meanwhile, the students union of the university has appealed to the school management to further review the charges.
President of the union, Isaac Ibikunle, said the reduction was “insignificant”, lamenting that charges for newly admitted students were not reviewed.
“The fees should be further reduced and preferably reversed. We also want the charges of the newly-admitted students to be reviewed.” he added.