The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has sounded the alarm over the declining living conditions faced by students at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Despite a recent hike in fees by the university administration, students continue to grapple with worsening learning and living environments, as highlighted in a statement issued by the ERC.
According to the ERC spokesperson, Comrade Akin Paul, the hope for improved conditions following the fee increase has been shattered.
The group lamented the dire state of infrastructure within the university, citing issues such as erratic electricity supply, inadequate water provision, and deteriorating facilities in student accommodations.
Halls of residence like Kuti, Mellanby, Bello, and Tedder are frequently plagued by power outages, leaving students in darkness and reliant on flickering candlelight for their academic pursuits.
The scarcity of water across campus forces students to trek long distances in search of basic necessities, exacerbating their daily challenges.
Moreover, the ERC expressed concern over heightened insecurity within the campus premises, further compounding the difficulties faced by students.
Despite these pressing issues, the ERC criticized the apparent inaction of the student union, accusing them of failing to advocate for student welfare and instead collaborating with university authorities to prepare students for future fee hikes.
The ERC vehemently opposed any plans for additional fee increases, asserting that public university education should be a social service funded by the government rather than by students or their families.
They called upon the student body to reject candidates in the upcoming student union elections who do not prioritize addressing the fundamental issues affecting students, including fee hikes and the overall quality of education and living standards.
In light of the impending leadership transition within the student union, the ERC warned against placing trust in candidates who do not demonstrate a commitment to advocating for student interests.
They urged students to mobilize and demand a leadership that will steadfastly resist any attempts to further burden them with increased fees, while championing the collective interests of the student body.
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