The Silence of Student Union in Addressing Hike in Fees

In recent times, a critical issue has persisted without adequate response: the relentless hike in school fees. As students face mounting financial burdens, the silence of the student union body has become deafening. This can be seen as one of the escapades the student union heeded to be the postponed congress slated for Saturday, 29th of June 2024. The congress was postponed indefinitely with no concrete reasons where issues concerning the increment in school fees were to be discussed. As school fees continue to soar, the neglect of the student union to address these hikes has become painfully apparent. 

 

The Student Union's Responsibility

The student union leaders whom the student community elected entrusted the crucial task of representing and advocating for the interests of the student body. However, amidst the recent wave of fee hikes for both freshers and returning students, they have been silent. Instead of proactive measures by the student union body, it has only sent a weakened, powerless memo instructing students to stall the payment of school fees which has not been followed up by any recent development. The student union since the resumption of the session has appeared to be underachieving in respect to the increment of fees due to their passiveness and failure to mobilise effectively on behalf of their constituents. 

Impact of an Underachieving Union

The consequences of this neglect are dire. For students from modest backgrounds, each increase in fees ranging from accommodation fees to laboratory fees and school fees represents a significant financial hurdle. Without advocacy from the student union, these hikes will go unchallenged, leading to inequalities and limiting access to education. With the hardship that comes with the economic surge of affording necessities as a student, many promising students are forced to abandon their dreams of earning a degree certificate or burden themselves with crippling debt to continue their studies.

 

What Must be Done?

As we reflect on the neglect of student union bodies towards the escalating hike in school fees, we must recognize the urgent need for change. The future of our university and the aspirations of countless students hang in the balance. We must not squander the opportunity to restore the power of student voices and uphold the principle that education should be accessible to all, regardless of economic circumstances. It is time for an awakening of student activism and advocacy. The student union must reclaim their role as a champion of student rights and play its part in the affordability of education. This requires more than a powerless memo or rating the office of the student union president 100 days after assuming office. It requires proactive engagement with university administrations, desperate measures, and demanding transparency in fee-setting processes. By reaffirming their commitment to student welfare, showing concern and attending to weightier matters as well as the little issues facing the student community, the union must take collective action and ensure that the voices of students are heard, and their rights protected in the pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence as education is  the vehicle for social change and the future of our country.