By: William Olaleye and Fakeye Blessing
Following the submission of the proposals of the Council of Hall Chairpersons and the Council of Faculty Presidents, the Student Representative Council of the University of Ibadan Student Union held an emergency sitting today 5th of April 2025 to delegate on the proposal for the increment of the basic hall and faculty dues.
The head of the Council of Faculty Presidents, Abiola Samuel, presented his proposal on the floor of the house.
He highlighted the growing costs of organizing student-centered events.
He further announced that the previous dues of #3,000 were not sufficient to provide the Faculty with amenities to make for smooth study.
The Chairperson of Queen Elizabeth II Hall and the Head of the Council of Hall Chairpersons, Miss. Nofisat Anifowose, tendered her proposal to the Honourable Members of the Council.
She also proposed that the Basic Dues for Halls be increased from ₦3000 to ₦5000. She stated that the ₦3000 dues was not sufficient to cater for the needs of the halls, including the various events that are organized over the session.
She further blamed the prevailing price inflation in the country for the lack of package distribution at the hall level, promising its return if the increase is granted.
Representatives from various halls expressed concerns and opposition to the proposed fee increment by both the Council of Faculty Presidents and Council of Hall Chairpersons.
Some questioned whether student welfare would improve, while others cited lack of justification and unrealistic nature of the increment.
Accusations of hypocrisy were also made in that the fight for reduction of fees will be deemed an act of hypocrisy if the hall dues and faculty dues were increased.
“It is hypocritical, if we fight the school management, and also doing the same thing .” An honourable member from the Obafemi Awolowo Hall Constituency stated.
The Counsel of Faculty Presidents denied prioritizing plans over student welfare. One representative suggested a smaller increment of 500-1000 naira as a compromise.
The Council, after an extensive deliberation, imposed a deadline of 24-hours on the both proposing parties, to create a Google form amassing the opinions of the student body on the proposed increment.
The results of the polls are to be presented at the next Council Meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025.
