By: Omakiya, Precious
For the past few weeks, one subject that has been on both the mind and lip of every student is the subject of fee hike. While discussions around this might appear to some folks as over-flogged or tiring, the irrefutable fact remains that the fee increment is unfair and callous, and should not cease to be addressed.
A look at the evolution of the fee hike topic will show any layman that stakeholders and students affected have moved from a state of silence, to outcry and then slowly back to silence. While all these are not commendable, one thing that sits way below them on the scale of doings is the silence of the press.
A look at the last phrase above might make it seem absurd as since the beginning of time (time being when the fee increment started) a few local press organizations in the university of Ibadan had taken to their different platforms to write newsworthy articles on the development. These news pieces, covering the introduction of exorbitant fees for freshers, the claim that fees were just a test run, the introduction of exorbitant fees for returning students, the reduction of those fees by just a little percentage and every other news article.
In a time like this, the body of press across the University of Ibadan students community should not be silent. One of the most important roles of journalism, as learned, is to convey the situation of the people it serves. In this setting, the University press serves as the students’ voice, expressing their concerns, challenges, and demands. As a result, they owe it to the students to speak up, giving a forum for their complaints and ensuring that their concerns receive the attention they deserve.
Journalism borders on impact, particularly when those affected lacks the ability to directly influence choices. Students are frequently confined by academic duties, may have limited access to larger platforms, and could only rely on their local newspapers to raise issues such as the fee increment. Silence from the press not only undermines this trust, but also denies students a key channel to engage affective concerns.
In the early 1970s, journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of The Washington Post uncovered a series of political scandals that eventually led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Their unwavering pursuit of the truth, despite significant pressure and risks, demonstrated the press’s ability to act as a mouthpiece for the people. Another example of how the press can be a critical force for advocacy and change during times of crisis is seen in the 2010–2011 Arab Spring when journalists from all over the Middle East were instrumental in drawing attention to the demands and struggles of the people in countries like Egypt and Tunisia. The press, along with citizen journalists, covered the protests against oppressive regimes in great detail; their reports brought the crises to the attention of the international community, sparked support for the movements, and in some cases, significantly changed political outcomes.
The University of Ibadan 2024 fee hike represents a significant crisis in the history of the University as a public institution, and for its students, as it would further their inability to pay charged fees, adding to their financial burden, and possibly preventing many from attending the University due to unaffordability. The press must continue to raise awareness of these issues, look into the administration’s explanations, and make sure that students’ voices are equally heard. Journalistic silence can encourage the administration to become complacent, less inclined to address the concerns of students or find fair solutions. Ongoing, critical coverage can keep the pressure on the university administration to reevaluate and amend policies that are not in the best interest to the student body.
The fee hike issue is not a transient controversy but a significant event that affects the entire student body also. In such times, it is imperative for press organizations to have a standpoint – be it for or against the fee hike — and make such a stand open. To be neutral or on the fence risks rendering the efficacy of the press as toothless bulldogs, undermining their credibility and relevance in the eyes of the students they serve. Taking a definitive stance on the fee hike is not merely about choosing sides; it is about embracing the role of the press as a force for advocacy and change. Through this, local press organizations can galvanize the student body, provoke meaningful discussions, and potentially influence the decision-making processes of the university administration. It is essential to note that journalism is not just about reporting facts but also about providing analysis, context, and, when necessary, taking a principled stand.
The press within the University community is one of the key stakeholders capable of holding various entities accountable, including the government, University administration, and Students’ Union officers. This vital role comes with the responsibility to ensure that these entities act in the best interests of the students and the university at large. Given this duty, the press should not disregard or take its responsibilities for granted. Instead, the body of the press must make proper use of its power and perform its duty, especially during such critical times.
Pressmen often criticize executives and other authorities for failing to fulfill their duties. It becomes hypocritical when the press does not carry out its own responsibilities. Silence or neutrality in the face of this significant issue undermines the press’s credibility and its role to tell impactful stories. The press must engage in thorough investigative journalism, present balanced coverage, and articulate well-reasoned stances – whether in support of or opposition to the fee hike. This commitment to journalistic integrity ensures that their advocacy is grounded in facts and thoughtful analysis.
Moreover, sustained efforts and continuous coverage are essential. The press must keep the issue alive in public discourse, publishing opinion pieces, and engaging with the student body through various platforms. This approach could be about holding the University administration accountable, but could also be maximized to educate and empower the student population in understanding and engaging with the complexities of the issue at hand.
By speaking out on the fee hike and representing the students’ plight, the press can ensure that all voices are heard and that accountability is maintained. It is imperative that the press embraces this duty with diligence and integrity, upholding the principles of journalism and advocating for a fair and transparent University environment. Now, more than ever, the students need a strong, vocal, and principled press to stand by them and champion their cause. The fee hike at the University of Ibadan is a pressing issue that demands sustained media attention. Drawing from examples of mainstream journalism worldwide, it is evident that persistent and courageous reporting can lead to significant positive changes. The University press should embrace this role, advocating for the students and holding administrations across all levels accountable, thus fulfilling their critical function in the academic ecosystem.
