Students of Ekiti State University has described as callous the decision of the school authorities to slam 109,000 naira convocation fees on graduating students.
The students described the actions of the institution as insensitive despite the economic challenges facing the students.
They also accused the school of extorting the students at every given opportunity without considering the trauma students and their parents have to go through to pay fee amidst the recently increased tuition fees.
The affected students who spoke with Nigeria NewsDirect correspondent under the condition of anonymity accused the state government of colluding with the Vice Chancellor Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele and the Alumni body to financially frustrate the students as they alleged the school is gradually being turned to a private institution.
A student who simply gave his name as Femi painfully narrated his experience at the various offices he visited for clearance. He alleged that the university is deliberately milking the graduating students financially.
“We pay for almost everything in all the offices even those with receipts of payment still have to repay and now we are seeing 109,000 naira on our portal with a deadline.
“Our parents are not picking money from the ground this is apparently outrageous” he added.
The students while condemning the fee did not spare the Alumni body whom they also accuse of benefitting from the extortion.
This outcry is coming weeks after the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji announced increment in subventions to the tune of 1.27 billion naira to Tertiary Institutions in the state.
The students, however, claimed that the subvention is having no positive impact on the university, as the school is now financially comparable to a private institution.
When the university’s Public Relations Officer, Bode Olofinmuagun, was contacted for comment on the matter, he promised to get back to us but had not done so by the time of filing this report. “We will discuss this later,” he said before hanging up.
Ekiti State University will hold its 29th convocation ceremony, with the event kicking off with a press conference on March 24, 2025.
