TASUED Graduates Protest Alumni Membership Fee Increase
Graduates of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have petitioned the institution’s alumni leadership and sought the intervention of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, demanding clarity on how funds contributed by alumni members have been utilized.
This petition comes in response to a recent protest by alumni over a significant hike in the association's membership fee. According to the petition, obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, graduates have asked Governor Abiodun to urge the alumni executives to account for how funds generated in the last five years were spent.
The alumni are calling for an immediate reversal of the membership fee, which was increased by 400% from N5,000 to N20,000.
As reported earlier by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, the graduates expressed dissatisfaction with the fee hike, calling it arbitrary and insensitive, particularly given the country’s current economic situation. Many alumni members also argued that the association offered no tangible benefits and accused the leadership of exploiting them, as many were unaware of the association’s activities.
In the petition, the graduates acknowledged some projects executed by the association but questioned the justification for the fee increase.
The petition stated: "We are writing to urgently address concerns among the Tai Solarin University of Education alumni regarding the financial management of the association, particularly the unexplained increase in the membership fee.
"While the alumni association claims that the funds are being used to assist in constructing lecture halls and hostels, we believe such responsibilities should fall on the university and government, not alumni contributions, which should remain voluntary."
The petition, signed by concerned graduates, also issued a three-day ultimatum for the executive body to provide details of the funds generated by the association.
"In the interest of transparency, we demand that an audited financial report covering the last five years be made public within 72 hours, starting from the date of this letter. The report should outline the association’s income, expenses, and overall fund management during this period," the letter added.
Furthermore, the graduates demanded that the N20,000 fee be immediately removed from the payment platform, calling it excessive and a source of significant distress for alumni members.
Responding to the situation, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Ademolu Adenuga, stated in a telephone conversation that an official response would be provided soon.
"I am currently in Osogbo. Once I return, I will address their concerns officially," Adenuga said.
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