IMPACT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON STUDENTS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN OGUN STATE: A STUDY OF TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION (2023- 2024)

The removal of fuel subsidy in 2023 as a claim by the government to jig economic revival has brought nothing but fears in the heart of many Nigerians. This as a result of the harsh consequences of the policy on the generality of the citizenry. The society has been gripped by inflation, life survival thence becomes the utmost task of the vulnerable, most especially students who rely on external supports for living. Therefore, this study examined the impact of fuel subsidy removal on students in higher institutions in Ogun State with a focus on Tai Solarin University of Education between 2023 and 2024. The study adopted a descriptive survey method, employed the use of questionnaire to get firsthand information from 300 respondents and adopted the Maslow’s hierarchical needs theory as a theoretical framework. The study discovered that fuel subsidy removal has significant effect on the cost of transportation, financial well-being and academic performance of students in Tai Solarin University of Education. It also discovered that the students’ loan scheme (NELFUND) as an effort by the government played a great role to mitigate the rigour of the policy on students. Thus, the study concluded that while fuel subsidy removal serves national economic interests, impact on vulnerable groups like students requires urgent and targeted policy attention to safeguard educational outcomes and student welfare. Thence, the study recommends provision of subsidised shuttle through joint collaboration, investment in virtual learning platforms and implement targeted grants or stipends for students in public universities. Keywords: fuel, fuel subsidy, fuel subsidy removal, students, TASUED. Word Count: 249