The Society of Petroleum Engineers, University of Ibadan (SPEUI) is urgently seeking donations to assist students struggling with a dramatic increase in tuition fees.

Fees have surged by over 500%, from N30,000 and N60,000 to N230,000 and N412,000 respectively. With a payment deadline of September 20, many students are at risk of losing their academic year.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) recently disbursed N201 million to cover the fees of 1,370 students, but hundreds more who applied since May are still waiting for approval. Despite attempts by the UI Students’ Body to expedite the process, NELFUND has been unresponsive due to the high volume of applications.

In response, the UI Students’ Body has launched an emergency fundraiser to support at least 500 vulnerable students. NELFUND is in talks with UI management to allow students to access funds while their loan applications are still pending.