News
BREAKING: UI Students Threaten To Shut Down School Over Fee Hike
University of Ibadan Students Vow to Continue Protests Against Fee Hike
Students of the University of Ibadan (UI) have pledged to continue their protests and shut down the campus following the university management’s decision to implement a fee increase for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Background
On July 16 and 17, the students took to the streets to protest the fee hike, demanding a reversal. Following the demonstrations, the university management promised to review the fees.
After 43 days, the university’s governing council convened on Thursday, August 29, to reassess the fees. Despite the protests, the council maintained that the increase was necessary due to the country’s economic challenges and suggested students apply for student loans. They set September 5 as the deadline for fee payment.
Students’ Response
In response to the governing council’s decision, UI students launched another protest, rejecting the proposed resolutions. The demonstration began at 10 p.m. on Thursday and continued until 2 p.m. on Friday, with students holding placards and chanting solidarity songs to express their demands.
Following the protest, the students held a congress and resolved to reconvene later with plans to shut down the university if their demands were not met.
Management’s Reaction
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Omobowale, along with other principal officers, met with student representatives, including Student Union President Aweda Bolaji, to discuss the situation.
The meeting began at 3 p.m., with students standing in the rain for three hours before university security escorted the management representatives to the administrative building.
However, efforts by SUG President Aweda to address the students were met with resistance, as the protesters felt he had compromised their position. They claimed Aweda had disregarded the congress’s decision on who should represent the students in the meeting and acted independently while they waited for him at the agreed location.
The frustrated students regrouped at the Student Union Building (SUB) to discuss the management’s options, which included either a three-week deadline extension or leaving campus. However, the students held another congress and unanimously vowed to continue their protests until their demands were met.
Federal Government Refutes Age Restrictions for NECO and WAEC Exams
The Federal Government has dismissed rumors suggesting that age restrictions apply to the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, clarified this in Abuja on Friday, affirming that there are no age limits for taking these exams. He explained that the age restriction applies only to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and university entry, which will start at 18 years beginning in 2025.
Sununu pointed out that the National Policy on Education specifies that children should start primary school at age six, spend six years there, and then proceed to three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, totaling 18 years.
His remarks came during a briefing for the 2024 World Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Sununu addressed the confusion, stating, “We have clarified this issue in various forums, but the misinformation persists. Neither the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor I have announced any age limit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams.”
He added, “Some individuals have misinterpreted our comments regarding UTME age restrictions and mistakenly applied them to WAEC and NECO. Our previous statements only pertained to university entry age, as outlined in the National Policy on Education.”
Sununu also highlighted that the policy supports teaching children in their local language or mother tongue until primary three, after which English is introduced. This approach, he noted, facilitates better communication and learning.
President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.
Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.
During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:
“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”
President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai
On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.
During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.
The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.
President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”
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