FUPRE Students Barricade East-West Road in Protest Over Alleged Tuition Hike

Pollyn Alex
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Hundreds of students from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) staged a protest on Wednesday, barricading the East-West Road, a major highway linking the Niger Delta region, in response to an alleged hike in tuition fees.








The demonstration, which began early in the morning, saw students chanting solidarity songs, carrying placards with messages such as “Education is a right, not a privilege” and “Say no to fee increment.” The protest caused significant traffic disruptions, leaving commuters stranded for hours and prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.








According to student leaders, the university administration recently introduced a steep increase in tuition and service charges, which they claim was done without adequate consultation or justification. Many students expressed concern that the new fees would exclude economically disadvantaged students and worsen the already difficult financial conditions faced by families across the region.









“We are not against development, but the sudden hike is outrageous and insensitive,” said Comrade Tega Oghene, President of the FUPRE Students’ Union. “We demand transparency, dialogue, and a reversal of the decision.”









University officials have yet to release an official statement, but sources within the administration suggest that the fee adjustment was part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure, academic resources, and staff welfare. However, students argue that such reforms should be gradual and inclusive, with clear communication and support mechanisms.








Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and university security were deployed to maintain order. No violence was reported, and the protest remained largely peaceful. Authorities have urged students to return to dialogue and avoid actions that could endanger public safety or disrupt academic activities.
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