After a series of protests, the students believe the University of Ibadan’s management, alongside state and federal governments, has ignored their legitimate demands.
The Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) has intensified its mobilisation efforts across all campuses in Nigeria, preparing to shut down the University of Ibadan and disrupt the proposed examination scheduled for Monday.
The student body is calling on various organisations, including ASUU, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), civil organisations, market women, and artisans to join forces in their fight against the commercialization of education.
In a memo jointly signed by Comrade Ikechukwu John Uformadu, Deputy National Coordinator and Comrade Oladepo Joshua Temitope, National Coordinator on Friday, ANSA declared, "It is safe to state categorically that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege for the wealthy few. Hence, we totally kick against the privatisation and commercialisation of education."
After a series of protests, the students believe the University of Ibadan’s management, alongside state and federal governments, has ignored their legitimate demands.
Among their demands are the total reversal of increased fees, the provision of bursary and scholarship grants, government investment in public education, and the re-introduction of genuine students' unionism.
"We may be forced to add to the list of their demands, which include but are not limited to: total reversal of increased fees, provision of bursary and scholarship grants, government investment in public education, and affordable and equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds," the memo stated.
ANSA emphasised that the inaction of authorities has left them with no choice but to escalate their actions. They are now calling for a boycott of upcoming examinations at the University of Ibadan until their demands are met in full.
"We enjoin the general public, Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), market women, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and broadcasting stations to join forces and ensure no examination holds under the current oppressive conditions," ANSA urged.
The group also made clear that failure to address their demands will result in nationwide strikes and protests. "The state and federal governments must understand that education is a public good, not a private commodity," ANSA warned.
Their memo concluded with a stark message to the authorities: "We call on UI management, Gov. Seyi Makinde, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly before this peaceful protest escalates into an uncontrollable force. The power of the people is stronger than any unjust system."
With increasing tensions on campuses, ANSA's call for mass action is gaining momentum, as students prepare for what could be a decisive moment in their fight for educational reforms.