Open letter to VC, IBB University

I write to you with a deep sense of humility. Let me bring to your notice, the degree of dismay and discontentment in the minds of the students and concerned stakeholders of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai, Niger State. This is as a result of the spontaneous decision of the school authority to […]

I write to you with a deep sense of humility. Let me bring to your notice, the degree of dismay and discontentment in the minds of the students and concerned stakeholders of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai, Niger State. This is as a result of the spontaneous decision of the school authority to increase hostel fees by over 100 per cent and new students’ registration fees by 19 per cent.
When I heard the news of the increment, I thought it was the handiwork of rumour mongers until I saw a memo to that effect pasted at the bursar’s office.
We understand that one of the primary aims of establishing the university is that the Niger State government wanted to make education affordable for the people. But the recent increment is pointing to the contrary. The goal of the founding fathers of this university is no longer achievable, going by the action of the present managers of the school. Will the founding fathers of our noble and prestigious institution be happy with such decision? I guess the answer is no.
As we are made to understand, the money generated through this increment would be used for developmental projects in the school. But the questions are: Must the proposed projects completely be at the expense of poor students? Is there no other means of raising money for developmental projects without increasing fees? In any case, how are we sure that the money would not end up in private purses? I am of the strong opinion that students should not be further impoverished to enrich few individuals.
 I recall how the Student Union Government (SUG) of the school fought hard to stop Lapai landlords from exploiting students through house rents. They insisted that the landlords should make their houses affordable to students by reducing house rents. That was three years ago. It is noteworthy that the present Student Union Government is still in the struggle to achieve that aim.
Now, with the over 100 per cent increase in hostel fees, how do you expect them to go about the struggle with the landlords? This is quite discouraging, to put it mildly. 
Sir, we recognise the fact that since you took over the mantle of leadership from Prof. Kolo, students of IBB University have experienced tremendous development and a complete positive turnaround of social and academic infrastructure. You were able to achieve these as a result of your sincerity and wisdom in leadership. That is why the entire students gave you their vote of confidence.
 Sir, remember that all your remarkable achievements were successful without any increase in fees. And we still believe that more achievements are very possible without an increase in fees.
We strongly believe that the increment was not your idea; but we wonder why and how you were persuaded to key into it. Sir, there is still time to do the right thing, and we believe you would listen to the voice of reason.
Usman Mohammed Chenche, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State