UNIOSUN groans under unpaid N2bn tuition fees

THE vice chancellor of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, Professor Labode Popoola, on Tuesday lamented that many of the students of the institution were owing tuition fees totalling N2 billion.

This, he said, could no longer be tolerated by the management of the institution.

Describing the development as inimical to the financial interest of the university, Professor Labode contended that most of the students owing tuition fees had collected the money from their parents and guardians, but diverted it to other things.

Addressing a press conference at the Senate Chamber of the institution, Popoola said “we are in a bad situation, financially, and we cannot continue like this, bearing in mind the survival of this university. We are using this opportunity to call on the affected students to pay their tuition fees or else, we will explore other measures to recover the debt.”

He said further: “It is disheartening to note that the university has discovered that despite the fact that we operate an enviable, stable academic calendar, mobilise its graduating students for youth service without delay, many of our students still owe school fees running to N2 billion.

“If this trend continues, there is no way the university could meet its financial responsibilities.”

He disclosed that the Senate of the university had approved the implementation of certain guidelines.

According to him, all students who fail to register will no longer be allowed into lecture rooms and will not be allowed to write examinations. The policy of 70 per cent attendance at lectures for all students will also be strictly enforced.

“New students are to pay school fees in full and on time for retention of their studentship. The names of school fees defaulters will be published soon in newspapers. All parents and guardians are hereby advised to warn their children and wards to pay their fees on time and not to divert their school fees to other areas,” he said.

He further maintained that the Osun State University, being a public institution, is financed from grants from the state government and also heavily relies on school fees from its students and other internally generated revenues.