‘Alea iacta est’. Those were the exact words Julius Caesar uttered in 49BC after crossing the Rubicon River, signaling his intent to wage war against Pompey. There was no turning back, he declared. As students return into the University gate this new session, this turn of words should echo around.
While you may not be waging war against an enemy, it is crucial to recognize that you are indeed engaging in a battle. A battle that is not just academic, as the University encompasses many aspects of one’s life. The University, as its root word suggests, is a multifaceted institution.
Between the beginning of the last session and this, numerous changes have taken place. If you hadn’t been paying close attention, these changes might seem sudden or unexpected. Paying attention to details, this swipe of transformation has been gradual, albeit rapid. The shift however may not all be favorable.
Change is inevitable and the only constant in life. Every sphere of existence experiences change, including our seventy-five year old University. By walking through those imposing gates of this esteemed institution, a student implicitly has agreed to confront them. The moment you resume, here or from the corner of your room outside the University, you have accepted a challenge to be overcome.
‘Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis’. Times change, and we change with them. With all these changes – whether they are inherently good or bad – it is essential that we, should improve with time. We must not only adapt but also find ways to thrive amid these changes or, when necessary, work towards reverting them. The core principle is straightforward: change demands a reaction from us, and our response is the key to how we navigate this evolving landscape.
As you stand at the threshold of this new session, consider the myriad ways in which you can influence and react to these changes. Your academic pursuits are a significant part of this, but they do not make up the entirety of your battle. To face these changes which have unfortunately or fortunately become the status quo, it is imperative that you first accustom yourself to these changes and know exactly what you are resuming to.
Of Fee Hike And A Half Dead Union
One glaring change is the significant hike in school fees. Fresh students recorded up to a 200% increase in their adjoining fees about three months ago as seen on their portals. What deceptively was referred to as a demo run, and then the main set-up. Shortly after, stalites and finalists have been confronted with the stark reality as fees have climbed a steep increase.
While stalites were under the deluded belief that the fee hike would not affect them, about a week ago, stalites and finalists portals opened to reveal a disheartening truth. This revelation which unsurprisingly caused a stir among students, much like it did when the fresh students’ demo portal first unveiled the hike, has hardly been accompanied by mitigating responses. The discontentment has however not been strong enough to incite any downward review.
Historically, the plebeians of ancient Rome found themselves in a similar predicament. They accepted their inferior status and the injustices meted out to them by their counterparts of higher status. However, there came a point when their patience wore thin, and the ‘Conflict of the Orders’ began – a prolonged struggle between the plebeians and the patrician class. This historical conflict, a key topic in the Roman republic, showcases how the plebeians ultimately fought for and secured their rights through persistent struggle and negotiation. The troubling water will one day be emptied.
The issue worths contrasting. It appears that the Students’ Union, akin to the modern-day plebeians, is not ready to take a decisive stand. Its reluctance to act will be perilous. Unlike the plebeians who eventually mobilized and fought for their rights, the University of Ibadan Students’ Union current inertia could lead to a worsening of the status quo. It could further entrench the unfavorable conditions that students now face. The Students’ Union, analogous to the plebeians’ leaders, is supposed to be the voice and shield of the student body, advocating for the union’s right to education, and working to mitigate any adverse change as may be legislated by the University administrators. However the gospel truth, the recent fee hike situation has exposed a critical weakness: the union’s apparent unwillingness or inability to mobilize effectively against an outrageous increment.
The ramifications of the Union’s inaction are profound. Historically, when the plebeians decided to take a stand, they did so by leveraging their collective power. They withdrew from Rome, leaving the city to grind to a halt. This cultivated act of solidarity forced the patricians to negotiate, and it did ultimately led to significant reforms. In our case, without a similar show of unity and resistance, the administration has no incentive to address our reasonable grievances.
The hike could be beginning of a series of unfavorable changes if left unchallenged. The current situation reflects a broader issue within our University environment. There is a pervasive sense of resignation among students, perhaps, a sense of powerlessness. This mindset must be challenged. Change is inevitable, but our response to it determines whether it will benefit or harm us. To change is to assert a collective voice
Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta
As the new session begins, students are not only grappling with a significant hike in school fees, but are also facing the harsh realities of a broader economic downturn. While the fee increase itself is substantial and challenging, it is only part of the problem. The current economic climate exacerbates these challenges, making it increasingly difficult for students to afford basic necessities, such as food and other essential items. The recent hike in school fees has already caused a significant stir among the student body. And unsuspecting parents, as a result of the unprecedented hike in fees, have their financial wherewithal stretched thin. For some, on the other hand, it has even raised questions about the feasibility of continuing their education.
But the hike is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The ongoing economic downturn compounds the financial strain on students. Inflation rates have surged, leading to higher prices for almost all goods and services. Food prices, in particular, have skyrocketed. What used to be a manageable weekly budget for groceries has now become an insurmountable expense for many students. The cost of living has increased across the board. Accommodation, transportation, and even basic utilities have become more expensive. Students living off-campus are particularly vulnerable, as they must manage rent payments alongside their academic expenses. Those who rely on public transportation or ride-sharing services are also feeling the pinch, as fare increases add to their daily costs.
The economic pressures extend beyond immediate financial concerns. The stress and anxiety associated with financial instability can have profound effects on students’ mental health and academic performance. Balancing the demands of coursework with the necessity of working long hours to make ends meet creates a precarious situation for many. The risk of burnout is high, and the overall well-being of students is at stake. It is imperative for the Students’ Union to take an active stance. Advocacy for more affordable education, negotiations with the administration for fee fall, and collaboration with external organizations to provide additional support can make a significant difference. The student body must unite in addressing these issues, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.
Addressing these interconnected issues requires a comprehensive approach, combining institutional support, student advocacy, and community solidarity. Only by working together can we hope to navigate these challenging times and ensure that education remains accessible and attainable for all.
As we embark, we must shun being mere or passive participant in this long journey. Every step we take now not only determines the fate of future students but more importantly, it determines a collective fate, including that of the University. Whether you choose to stand, fight, or retreat, you have crossed the gates, you have resumed and there’s just one thing to keep in mind, the die is cast.
