Students protest in OSUSTECH, Ondo state over fees

Academic activities were grounded on Monday at the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo state, as students of the institution protested against the increase in tuition fees by the school management.

The students who blocked the main entrance of the school as early as 8 am and armed with placards of various inscriptions condemned the new fee introduced by the school management.  

The protesting students who blocked the ever busy Okitipupa/ Igbokoda road, hindered the free flow of vehicles, while traders and motorists plying the road remained stranded for several hours. 

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The students demanded an immediate reduction in the fee noting that the school management had failed to understand the plight of the students despite the economic situation in the country. 

One of the students, Bosede Akinayajo, who spoke with Tribune Online said the tuition increased affected most returning students, saying the tuition was increased while they were expecting a reduction in the fee.  

She said “the management has pushed us to the wall by introducing a new fee while they asked some returning students to pay the same fee paid last session
We expected some reduction in the fee but the management decided to increase the fee”

However, the management of the institution has directed the students to vacate the school  and embark on a two -week mid-semester break 

Speaking on the development, the Registrar of the University, Felix Akinnusi, who described the action of the students as uncalled for, confirmed that the school has been closed for two weeks to restore peace

He said “It was a surprise to us this morning that our students are protesting. We don’t know the reason and we will be meeting the students’ leaders to know the reason for the protest.

“In view of this development, the Senate has ordered the students to proceed on two weeks mid-semester break. The circular will be released soon. We will use this break to meet with their leaders and resolve all issues”

It will be recalled that students of the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, (AAUA) also protest against the school management over what they called an obnoxious policy of the institution’s management.