By Temiloluwa Kolawole
OOU has introduced a ₦10,000 annual internet subscription for students, citing a recent bandwidth upgrade from 310 MB to 1,500 MB. The new fee, announced in an official memo released October 15th, 2025, has ignited mixed reactions across campus.
The memo follows the upgrade of the institution’s internet bandwidth from 310 MB to 1500 MB and is expected to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to the school, the initiative aims to improve internet speed and ensure better connectivity across the campus. However, the development has stirred mixed reactions among students.
Oreoluwa, a 300‑level Law student, said she was not pleased with the news. “I feel quite annoyed about the recent development.” she said. When asked if the recent development would be beneficial to the students, “Well, it’s quite unpredictable, considering the usual bad network that the school is known for. If the school truly does the upgrade, then browsing the internet on campus won’t be as difficult as it used to.” Oreoluwa said.
Another student, who preferred to remain anonymous, questioned the necessity of the payment. “If the internet speed gets faster, it’s still not worth it if I’m spending ₦10,000 a year for connectivity in a school where I only stay for a few hours daily. What’s the essence of paying for it?” he asked. “The school should have a functioning network system already, not me paying for it. Except we’re getting free Wi‑Fi or hotspot access, then it might be worth it otherwise, it’s not.”
Tobiloba, a 300‑level Accounting student, shared a more detailed view. “We are in an era of technology where things keep advancing day by day. What was introduced by the school is a good step because it will increase the network capacity, and there won’t be complaints about bad connection anymore,” he said. “Anything that has an advantage also has a disadvantage. To me, this new fee looks like an increase in the school fees, and if after this there won’t be Wi‑Fi for students to connect, then what’s the point?” he asked.
He added that the policy could open doors to more hidden payments. “People are already calling this the ‘comeback’ of the technology fee that was earlier scrapped. If we don’t question it now, it might lead to other unnecessary charges in the future. To me, what the school management did is not really acceptable.” he added.
Another student from the Department of Mass Communication expressed concern over how the policy would affect students financially. “Many students are already struggling to meet up with tuition and living costs. Adding an internet subscription fee increases financial pressure on both parents and students,” she said.
“Since the school isn’t providing personal data, students don’t gain direct benefits from this added cost. Even if the school plans to improve network service, the fee should be reasonable and reflect the actual value students receive.” she added.
Tobiloba, who is also a member of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), said the union spoke with the management over the issue. “Being a member of the SUG, I was at the meeting we had with the Vice‑Chancellor yesterday morning concerning the issue. We await a favourable response.” he said.
Students across the university continue to express their opinions as they await the management’s final decision on the new policy.
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