According to the report, the university spent N134 million on refreshment and meals during the fiscal year?more than double the N65 million it allocated to the same item in 2022.

ASaharaReporters' review of the University of Ibadan?s 2023 financial statement has revealed that the institution spent a staggering N358 million on non-academic expenses?refreshments/meals, honorarium/sitting allowances?exceeding the amount spent on key academic purposes, like 'academic expenses' , research and teaching materials.

According to the report, the university spent N134 million on refreshment and meals during the fiscal year?more than double the N65 million it allocated to the same item in 2022.

Even more striking was the N224 million spent on honorarium and sitting allowances in 2023?an increase from N129 million in the previous year.

Combination of the costs incurred for refreshment/meals (N134 million) and honorarium/sitting allowances (N224 million), totals N358 million, which is more than the N345 million spent on line item "academic expenses".

The amount is also more than the N23 million spent on laboratory and teaching materials, and N168 million on research and other teaching-related expenses?an indication that the institution prioritised administrative perks over the core academic mission.

These figures emerged at a time when students have continued to decry the dilapidated state of infrastructure and the general decline in the university?s learning environment.

In April 2023, the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), University of Ibadan chapter, raised alarm over the ?poor condition of facilities? on campus.

"Since the reopening of the university for the commencement of physical academic activities on 20th March 2023, we of the Education Rights Campaign, ERC, University of Ibadan chapter have noticed the continuous poor welfare condition on campus."

"Electricity and water supplies across the campus have remained epileptic, something which has worsened the condition of certain facilities like toilets, bathrooms and lecture rooms across the campus."

"ERC finds this so worrisome and disturbing given the inevitable consequence this will have on both the academic performance and health condition of the mass of students on campus,? a statement signed by Alesh Debs read.

In addition to the poor funding of critical educational needs, the university recently came under fire for suspending three students who led a protest against increased fees.

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the suspension of Ayodele Aduwo, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin, describing the move as a blatant violation of free expression.

"Amnesty International strongly condemns the suspension and the relentless persecution of Ayodele Aduwo, Nice Linus and Mide Gbadegesin by the University Of Ibadan for speaking up against outrageous fee hike in 2024. The decision of the university to suspend them for four semesters must be reversed," the organisation declared.

"No one should be punished for decrying the university?s fee hike during Nigeria?s worst economic crisis in a generation," it added.

The global rights group also raised concerns about how the students were treated throughout the disciplinary process.

"The management of University of Ibadan had, over a year, subjected the students to unfair processes, including students series of bizarre disciplinary hearings."

"The three students exercised their right to peaceful protest and the university has a national and international obligation to respect the right to peaceful dissent."

The protest, which took place on May 13, 2024, during a Students? Union event, led to the arrest of the three students by the university?s security unit. They were later summoned before the Students? Disciplinary Committee on July 2, 2024.

Reports also emerged that the students, along with activist Femi Adeyeye, were allegedly beaten by campus security before being handed over to Operation Burst operatives in Oyo State.

Despite facing ongoing scrutiny, the university has now summoned the students again to appear before its Central Student Disciplinary Committee on July 14, 2025, accusing them of ?misconduct? and disrupting the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023/2024 Students? Union executives.

According to an internal memo signed by Deputy Registrar S.O. Oyewumi, the trio are being investigated for ?insubordination/unruly behaviour.?

These developments have raised broader concerns about the university?s spending priorities and its commitment to academic freedom and student welfare amid rising costs and deteriorating infrastructure. (SAHARA REPORTERS)

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