**Fatshimetrie: University students start protest against tuition fee hike**
Fatshimetrie University is currently the scene of a student-led protest movement. The protest follows the institution’s decision to increase tuition fees, a move approved by the Senate and ratified by the University Council.
The University Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu, announced a pause in academic activities through an internal memo. The pause, which will last from Saturday until September 20, was decided during a meeting between the management and the students’ union. It aims to give students the necessary time to finalize their online registration before the start of the first semester 2023/2024 exams, scheduled for September 23.
It is important to note that the Registrar has insisted that the deadline for registration and payment of fees is September 20 and that no extension will be granted. Students who have not properly registered will not be allowed to write the examinations.
The move triggered a series of protests by students who have expressed their dissatisfaction with the fee increase. The University Council, chaired by Chief Adebisi Akande, defended the move, stressing the need for the fee adjustment in the current economic climate and as part of the university’s commitment to maintaining quality teaching and research.
Students have been asked to vacate the campus by 2pm, in line with the management’s directives, and dormitories will be open to them from noon on September 20.
This situation highlights the growing tensions between tertiary institutions and students who are facing increasing financial challenges. It is essential that sustainable and inclusive solutions are found to ensure accessibility to higher education without sacrificing the quality of teaching.
The mobilization of students at Fatshimetrie University demonstrates their desire to make their voices heard and actively participate in decisions that affect them. The debate on tuition fees is only just beginning, and it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to find balanced solutions that respect the needs and aspirations of the entire university community.