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By Lawrence Agbo
Students of the College of Nursing Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, on Tuesday took to the streets in protest over the recent increase in school fees, despite earlier assurances by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) that efforts were underway to address their concerns.
The protesting students, who marched on the street and within the college premises, were seen chanting a protest slogan, “We no go gree,” as they demanded an immediate reversal of the fee hike.
The protest comes days after the SUG initially distanced itself from reports of planned demonstrations and announced that it had begun dialogue with the management of the institution to find a solution to the situation.
According to eyewitnesses, the aggrieved students moved in large numbers toward the office of the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, insisting on meeting with the school authorities over what they described as an unbearable financial burden.
Some of the protesters carried placards expressing frustration over the sudden increase in fees and the rising cost of other mandatory payments within the college.
A student who spoke during the protest said the demonstration became necessary after students felt their concerns were not being adequately addressed.
“We have been complaining about the fees, and even though the SUG said they were discussing with management, nothing has changed. That is why students decided to come out and demand that the authorities listen to us,” the student said.
Students had earlier raised alarm over the decision to increase school fees from about ₦90,000 to ₦250,000 to ₦580,000, describing the development as exploitative.
In addition to the school fees, students say they are also required to pay ₦150,000 annually for hostel accommodation and ₦30,000 monthly for feeding, amounting to ₦360,000 per year.
NAUTH Nursing students argued that when these costs are combined with other expenses such as transportation and clinical posting fees, the total annual cost of studying at the college exceeds ₦1 million.
They also complained about what they described as poor facilities within the school, including a non-functional laboratory, inadequate seating, and the absence of basic amenities such as toilets.
As of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the college management had agreed to meet with the protesting students, while the demonstration continued around the provost’s office.
