Education

TASUED Alumni Reject Membership Fee Hike, Petition Abiodun

Concerned graduates of Tai Solarin University of Education (TSUED), Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have formally petitioned the Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, seeking clarity on the management of funds contributed by alumni members.

This action follows protests over a substantial increase in the association’s membership fee.

The petition, obtained on Thursday, urged Abiodun to compel the association’s leadership to provide a detailed account of how the funds accumulated over the past five years have been utilized.

Additionally, the petition demands an immediate reversion of the membership fee from N20,000, a 400 percent increase from the previous N5,000, citing concerns over the hike.

Earlier reports revealed discontent among the ex-students regarding the fee escalation, which they deemed both arbitrary and insensitive given the current economic climate.

The alumni argued that the increased fee offered no tangible benefits and appeared to be a means of exploitation, with many members unaware of the association’s activities.

In their petition, the graduates acknowledged the completion of some visible projects by the association’s executive but questioned the necessity and justification for such a dramatic fee increase.

The letter stated: “We are writing to urgently address the growing concerns among Tai Solarin University of Education Alumni regarding the financial practices of the alumni association, particularly in light of the recent and unexplained increase in the alumni fee.

“We understand that the association has claimed that funds are being used to support the university by constructing lecture halls and hostels.

While we value efforts to aid the institution, it raises the question whether it is the role of alumni to undertake these projects, which are typically the responsibility of the university and government.

“Contributions from alumni should be voluntary and not imposed through exorbitant fees that place undue burden on members and graduating students.”

The petition, signed by concerned graduates, demands a three-day ultimatum for the executive to provide a comprehensive audited financial report covering the last five years.

This report, they said, should include details of income, expenditures, and overall management of alumni funds during this period.

Furthermore, the petition calls for the immediate removal of the N20,000 membership fee from the payment portal, arguing that the fee is excessive and has caused significant distress among alumni members.

“This fee must be withdrawn as part of the immediate steps to address our concerns,” the petition concluded.

In response, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Ademolu Adenuga, indicated that an official statement would be issued soon.

“I am currently in Osogbo, but I will address their concerns officially upon my return,” Adenuga said.

In a letter addressed to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, the union specifically demanded the immediate reconsideration and outright removal of eight items from the school fees breakdown “to ease the financial burden on students and prevent any unrest among the student body”.