By Idoko Mesheal.
The Benue State University (BSU) Students’ Union has called for the suspension of school fee payments in protest of the recent increase in user charges by the school management. Despite a reduction from ₦50,000 to ₦35,000, the union deems the increase “unjustifiable” and an undue financial burden on students and their sponsors.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the union’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Tar Propane George, the decision follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, including faculty and departmental presidents, tribal leaders, and past union executives.
The statement reads in part; “Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders within the BSU community including Faculty and Departmental Presidents, tribal leaders, and both current and past union executives,the Students’ Union of Benue State University, Makurdi, has taken a firm stance against the recent hike in user charges.
“This sharp increase, amounting to an additional ₦50,000 for both newly admitted and returning students, is seen as overwhelming and unjustifiable. It places an undue financial burden on students and their sponsors, and we believe it is imperative to act decisively.
“Consequently, despite the management stance on reduction of the initially proposed 50,000 to a similarly unfair rate of 35,000, we make bold to state that the Union will not concede to the said reduction, as same is outrageous and unfair to our students.
“Furthermore, While awaiting the outcome of a proposed meeting with the university management to resolve the issue, the following resolutions have been reached by a joint session of the executive and parliament of the Union.
“Suspension of School Fee Payment. All students are advised to withhold payment of their school fees until negotiations between the Students’ Union and the university management are concluded. Further directives will be communicated in due course.
“Suspension of Departmental and Faculty Charges. All departmental and faculty presidents are directed to halt the collection of charges until further notice. It must be noted that, If the university management fails to address this pressing issue promptly and reasonably, we are prepared to escalate our actions. Let it be known that the Students’ Union will never relent in its fight for the rights and welfare of the students”.
