How University of Ibadan Spent N358 Million on Refreshments, Allowances While Allocating Just N23 Million for Labs in 2023

A review of the University of Ibadan’s 2023 financial records by Chronicles Reporters has revealed that the institution spent a whopping N358 million on non-academic costs, including refreshments, meals, and honorarium/sitting allowances—surpassing what was allocated for essential academic activities such as research and teaching support.

The breakdown of the financial statement shows that the university allocated N134 million to refreshments and meals in 2023, marking a significant jump from the N65 million spent on the same item the year before. Even more notable is the N224 million spent on honorarium and sitting allowances—an increase from N129 million in 2022.

Altogether, these non-academic expenses total N358 million, an amount that overshadows the N345 million allocated for academic-related expenditures. Even more concerning is that the amount is drastically higher than the N23 million earmarked for laboratory and teaching materials, as well as the N168 million set aside for research and related teaching activities.

These revelations have stirred unease, especially as they come amid longstanding complaints about the deteriorating condition of learning facilities on campus. Many students have consistently spoken out about poor infrastructure and neglect of basic needs within the institution.

In April 2023, the University of Ibadan chapter of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) publicly criticized the state of the university’s amenities. The group decried the poor welfare conditions, particularly since physical classes resumed on March 20, 2023.

“Since the reopening of the university for academic activities, we have continued to witness poor welfare conditions,” a statement by the ERC signed by Alesh Debs read. “Electricity and water supply remain irregular across campus, worsening the condition of toilets, bathrooms, and lecture halls.”

The ERC warned that such neglect could negatively impact both the academic performance and health of students, describing the situation as “worrisome and disturbing.”

Beyond these infrastructural challenges, the university recently drew criticism for its treatment of student activists. Three students—Ayodele Aduwo, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin—were suspended for four semesters after leading a protest against a sharp increase in school fees.

Their suspension has attracted condemnation from Amnesty International, which labeled the university’s action a blatant attack on the right to free speech.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the suspension and relentless persecution of Ayodele Aduwo, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin for speaking out against an outrageous fee hike,” the organisation stated. “The suspension must be reversed. No one should be punished for opposing a fee increase, especially during one of Nigeria’s worst economic downturns in decades.”

The rights group further expressed concerns over the disciplinary procedures the students were subjected to, stating that the university failed to provide a fair and transparent process.

According to Amnesty International, “The three students peacefully exercised their right to protest. The university has both national and international obligations to respect such rights.”

The protest in question occurred on May 13, 2024, during a Students’ Union event. The university’s security team arrested the students, who were later summoned before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee on July 2, 2024.

Reports also indicate that the students, along with activist Femi Adeyeye, were allegedly assaulted by university security personnel before being transferred to Operation Burst, a joint security task force in Oyo State.

Despite growing criticism, the university has again summoned the suspended students to appear before its Central Student Disciplinary Committee on July 14, 2025. This time, they face fresh allegations of misconduct and disrupting the swearing-in of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union leaders.

An internal memo signed by Deputy Registrar S.O. Oyewumi stated that the students are being investigated for “insubordination and unruly behaviour.”

These developments have reignited public scrutiny over the university’s financial priorities and its stance on academic freedom and student rights—especially in a time of economic hardship, decaying infrastructure, and strained learning conditions.

Stay updated with Chronicles Reporters via our WhatsApp channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J