Otuoke_ Students of the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO) in Bayelsa State are voicing their anger over a recent 50% increase in school fees, with many criticizing the Students Union Government (SUG) for what they see as a failed negotiation with the university management.
The fee hike, which marks the second such increase in a year, has sparked outrage among students who feel the new costs do not match the poor state of facilities on campus.
The new fees were set at ₦78,500 for Non-Sciences, ₦90,500 for Sciences, ₦107,500 for Medical Sciences, and ₦100,500 for Law. While the SUG, led by Comrade Zolo Tolomokizee, managed to secure a small reduction, students remain largely dissatisfied.
The negotiated reductions were ₦9,000 for Non-Science students, ₦11,000 for Science students, and ₦13,000 for both Medical Sciences and Law students.
According to SUG PRO, Comrade Victor Ebibralade, the reduction was a result of the union’s persistence.
However, many students feel the negotiation was a failure. One student, identified as KpB, expressed disappointment on social media, noting that the university’s reason for the hike—rising institutional costs—doesn’t hold up when students aren’t even on campus.
“Questions are flying,” the student wrote, “why release this press statement now when students are not even in school…?”
Another student, Charles, a 400-level Sociology major, directly criticized the SUG leadership for failing to stand up for the students.
“I’m calling out on the SUG president comrade Big Zolo… this is selfish of you to agree with the school authorities on this school fees issue,” he said.
He questioned what the increased fees would pay for, pointing to a lack of adequate learning spaces, power supply, and facilities for a growing student population.
Echoing these concerns, student Benny Omini described the development as “painful.”
She noted that she chose the university because of its low fees, only to see them increase twice in one year. “For God’s sake, this is a federal university!” she wrote,
highlighting the poor conditions on campus, including a lack of proper lecture rooms, chairs, and drugs at the clinic.
“Landlords will hear this and still increase house rent. Are we meant to suffer as students?Indeed, this system is messed up!” she said.
