Students of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), on Wednesday, took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration against an alleged 200 percent increase in school and hostel fees reportedly introduced by the Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Edafetano Agbalagba.
Footage obtained from our reporter on the ground showed hundreds of students barricading the East-West Road with tyres, wood, and vehicles, chanting protest slogans such as “We no go pay” and “We no go gree.”
The visibly agitated students carried placards with inscriptions like “Agbalagba Out” and “Say No to Increment,” demanding the immediate reversal of the fee hike.
According to protesting students, the new fee structure allegedly raised tuition from ₦87,000 to ₦144,500 for returning students and ₦194,500 for final-year students a move they described as “unjust and insensitive” given the current economic realities.
The demonstration, which began early Wednesday morning, caused major traffic disruptions along the East-West Road as protesters blocked key access points to the university and surrounding areas. Security operatives were deployed to maintain order and prevent the situation from escalating.
Meanwhile, the university management has denied authorizing any fee increment, describing documents circulating on social media as fake.
In an official statement signed by the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) J. One Omayine, the university noted:
“The attention of Management has been drawn to a document circulating on social media, purportedly containing the students’ charges for the 2025/2026 academic session. That document did not emanate from the University, and students are advised to disregard it.”
The statement further urged students to resume normal academic activities, reaffirming that no new charges had been approved by the institution’s governing council.
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