Ondo govt, please review the varsity tuition fees

When in December 2017,  the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, announced to a large audience during a convocation ceremony of the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA), his intention to increase the tuition fees of the school, many were baffled at the sudden declaration. At that event, he said, “the tuition fee of Adekunle […]

When in December 2017,  the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, announced to a large audience during a convocation ceremony of the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA), his intention to increase the tuition fees of the school, many were baffled at the sudden declaration.

At that event, he said, “the tuition fee of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA) was not worthy or capable of purchasing a pair of shoes”, hence his decision to increase the amount. He added that the move will also boost the state’s economy.

This announcement led to the convening of a stakeholders’ meeting between parents of the students, the school management, the governor and students.

At the forum, the amount to be paid was debated. Although the meeting was inconclusive, new school fees was announced, with an increase of over 70 per cent on the former amount.

Consequently, the students protested against the development. They expressed their displeasure against the state government’s decision.

Even if the government was desirous of improving the economy of the state, it should have gone about it in a different manner.

They should get the parents and students to reason with them, rather than force the decision on them.  Even if they must increase the fees, they should have done so by 50 per cent, not 70 per cent.

The government and the school management should consider a review of this decision.

 

Grace Omowumi  Semudara wrote from Ondo State and can be reached via:[email protected]