Lecturer Sparks Outrage Over ₦16,100 Course Material Fee at OAU

Students at Obafemi Awolowo University raised concerns after a lecturer allegedly required them to pay ₦16,100 for a compulsory course manual, sparking accusations of student exploitation despite opposition from Academic Staff Union of Universities.

Concerns have arisen at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, after students were reportedly instructed to pay ₦16,100 for a compulsory course manual.

A message shared with students by a class representative announced the start of payment for a CHM 102 manual. It included bank details and warned that failure to pay could affect official payment records. Students were also required to upload proof of payment.

A source described the situation as part of ongoing exploitation of students, especially those in their first year.

According to the source, large classes—sometimes numbering between 5,000 and 10,000 students—are required to purchase digital manuals at high prices.

The source questioned the cost, noting that such materials are inexpensive to produce and distribute digitally, estimating production costs at less than ₦500 per copy. This raises concerns that millions of naira could be generated from students for a single course material.

It was also alleged that the price of these materials has steadily increased over time, rising from about ₦5,000–₦10,000 in previous semesters to the current ₦16,100.

Students and parents, the source added, often feel they have no choice but to comply.

Previously, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the compulsory sale of handouts. A former ASUU president stated that such practices are not allowed and that mechanisms exist to address them when reported.

Despite this, the issue persists in some institutions, where students continue to face financial pressure linked to mandatory course materials.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, ICIR