The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) on Monday postponed indefinitely the resumption for the 2023/2024 academic session following protests by students over a hike in the tuition of the institution.
According to the management of the institution, all students on campus and residing in university hostels must vacate the premises within 24 hours.
The students were to resume a new academic session on Monday before they paralysed activities on campus due to the over 300 per cent increase in tuition.
In a statement issued by the institution’s Director of Corporate Communication, Adegbenro Adebanjo, it was stated that the move was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of all students and members of staff.
The management, however, said that the tuition was not increased but some certain consumables and services.
“It is important to say that tuition is free and no money is being charged as a tuition fee. To ensure the smooth running of the university, certain consumables and payments for municipal services such as electricity, water, hostel maintenance and cleaning, and sundry other services.
“The costs of providing the services have shot up and the new charges are in response to this.
“Other costs that were adjusted as a result of economic reality include medical examinations for all new students, biometric ID cards and Tertiary Institutions Students Health Insurance Programme, TISHIP, administered by NHIS for students and final yearbook.
FUTA gives students 24-hour ultimatum to vacate campus amid protests over tuition hike