The leadership of the Great Ife Students’ Union, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has reassured students that there will be no increase in school fees as the institution prepares to commence the new academic session. The assurance was contained in a release signed on Friday, September 19, 2025, by the Union President, Adelani David, and Secretary General, Habeeb Oke Isa.
The statement followed growing concerns among students after the release of the academic calendar for the Harmattan semester sparked rumours of a possible upward review of fees. The Union moved swiftly to clarify the situation, holding engagements with relevant stakeholders to ascertain the facts.
According to the Union leaders, the outcome of these consultations revealed that the University management had no plans to increase tuition fees for either fresh or returning students. They described the rumours as unfounded, aimed at causing unnecessary panic among the student population.
“The Great Ife Students’ Union is pleased to inform our members that, after extensive discussions with management, there will be no increment in school fees. Students should therefore disregard speculations circulating on social media,” the statement read.
To further provide clarity, the Union listed the approved school fees for the just-concluded academic session, which will remain in effect for the new session. Students in the Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, Law, Administration, and Arts & Social Sciences Education paid ₦161,000 as freshers and ₦76,000 as returning students.
For students in Science, Environmental Design and Management, Technology, Agriculture, and Science Education, freshers paid ₦171,000, while returning students paid ₦86,000. Pharmacy students were charged ₦194,000 as freshers and ₦109,000 as stalites. Meanwhile, students of the College of Health Sciences paid ₦194,000 as freshers and ₦209,000 as returning students.
The Union leaders stressed that these rates remain unchanged, affirming the management’s stance on maintaining affordability and accessibility of education. They reassured students that the Union would continue to serve as a watchdog, ensuring that issues affecting students are addressed promptly.
Beyond fee concerns, the Union encouraged indigent students facing financial challenges to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme introduced by the Federal Government. The loan, which is interest-free, provides support for tuition and upkeep allowances for undergraduates across public institutions.
According to the Union, the initiative was designed to prevent financial hardship from hindering students’ education, especially in light of the current economic realities. They urged qualified students to apply early and follow due process through official channels to avoid fraudulent schemes.
The leadership further reiterated its commitment to the collective welfare of the Great Ife student body. “We remain resolute in protecting the rights and interests of our members. Our focus is on ensuring that no student is left behind, regardless of financial background,” the statement added.
The Union’s intervention was met with relief from many students, who had expressed fears that a fee increment could worsen financial burdens already faced by families. With this reassurance, the atmosphere across the campus has been described as calmer, as preparations for resumption gather momentum.
