University of Ibadan PhD Student Discloses N316,000 School Fees and Research Focus
A PhD student from the University of Ibadan, Olowokere Wilson Yinka, has publicly shared that she paid a total of N316,000 as school fees for her doctoral program, including all associated charges. In an exclusive discussion, she provided detailed insights into her academic journey, research topic, and reasons for choosing to study in Nigeria rather than abroad.
Academic Pathway and Admission Process at UI
Olowokere Wilson Yinka, known as @Willdivah on TikTok, explained her admission process into the University of Ibadan's PhD program. She purchased the application form for N22,000 and underwent a physical interview, a step she did not encounter during her master's degree. During this interview, she was assigned a supervisor, which confirmed her availability and research interests.
She stated, "Getting a PhD in UI is quite easy for me. I studied music for my B.A in UI, then proceeded to do my master’s in African Music at the Institute of African Studies, UI, which I would say is a more tedious process. The PhD form is always available in the University of Ibadan. It costs 22,000 naira. This interview is where we were awarded supervisors. This is also how the institute confirms our availability as well as the topics and respective fields we want to pursue our PhD in."
Research Topic: Body Positivity and African Music
Yinka revealed that her PhD research focuses on body shaming, mental health, and African music, a topic she has been passionate about since her undergraduate studies. She emphasized her advocacy against body shaming, noting that she pioneered the 'No to Body Shaming' movement in Ibadan.
She elaborated, "For me, it was body shaming, mental health, and African music, something I have been working on since my undergraduate. I am the pioneer of 'No to Body Shaming' in the city of Ibadan. African Studies, African Music. I have been studying music for as long as I can remember. Now it’s an instrument to link body shaming, body confidence, and mental health—an aspect that I am very passionate about."
Choosing Nigeria Over Studying Abroad
When asked why she opted for a PhD at the University of Ibadan instead of a foreign institution, Yinka cited financial constraints. She attempted to pursue her master's in the UK but found the costs prohibitive, estimating expenses at N20 million to N40 million due to inflation.
She explained, "I chose to do my PhD in Nigeria because I simply can’t afford otherwise. For my master’s, I had tried to travel to the UK like every other person was doing, but the reality hits hard when you realise you need at least 20 million to do so. Now it’s even worse. We are looking at 40 million naira because of inflation. And while I know about a lot of scholarships that I could apply for, the application fee is nothing less than 150 to 200 dollars. I only need to add a bit, and that’s enough to pay my tuition here in Nigeria, and at UI especially."
School Fees Details and Receipt Verification
Yinka confirmed that her total school fees amounted to N316,000, which she supported with a screenshot of her payment receipt. She noted that fees vary across different departments and programs at the University of Ibadan, with her amount specific to her program.
She shared, "316k. I should have a picture of receipts." This transparency aims to provide clarity on the costs associated with postgraduate education at the institution.
Advice for Prospective Students
Yinka offered advice to individuals considering studying abroad, encouraging them to pursue education in Nigeria if opportunities overseas are delayed. She stressed the affordability and quality of Nigerian institutions, particularly the University of Ibadan.
Her statement: "I know most people would rather get educated outside the country, and that is nice. However, my sincere advice is that if it's not happening yet, don't wait. If education is what you really want, you can start from here. It’s more affordable, and if you do it in a good school, you’ll be better for it. Your time is the only actual currency that you have. Don’t let location stop you."
Context and Related News
This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about educational costs in Nigeria. Recently, a master's student at the University of Ibadan went viral for kneeling in gratitude after completing his project, highlighting the challenges and triumphs in Nigerian academia. Yinka's story adds to the narrative of students navigating financial and academic hurdles to achieve their educational goals.
