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By Lawrence Agbo
The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the College of Nursing Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Comrade Chukwuelue Chisom, has reacted to the recent student protest over the school fee hike, clarifying that the union did not authorise the demonstration and assuring that ongoing discussions with management are aimed at resolving the concerns raised by students.
Students of the college had earlier protested the new school fees by taking to the streets and marching to the Provost’s office while chanting “We no go gree,” to protest the new school fees.
Reacting to the development in a statement obtained by Daily Sun, the SUG president said the union is aware of the students’ concerns but had already begun dialogue with the management of the hospital before the protest occurred.
He explained that the union leadership had engaged the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, to present students’ concerns regarding the implementation of the new fees.
According to him, the management had given assurances that the issues raised by students would be reviewed by the board of the college.
He noted that based on the assurances given by the management and the ongoing dialogue, the union had earlier advised students to remain calm and allow discussions with the authorities to continue.
The SUG president, however, acknowledged that the protest reflects the level of frustration among students but maintained that dialogue remains the most effective way to resolve the issue.
He therefore appealed to students to remain calm and orderly while the management works toward addressing the concerns raised.
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Full statement by the SUG President:
“As the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the College of Nursing Sciences, NAUTH Nnewi, I wish to clarify the Union’s position regarding the recent protest by students over the school fees increment.
First and foremost, the Students’ Union Government understands the concerns and frustrations expressed by students regarding the recent adjustment in school fees. The financial realities faced by many students and their families are well appreciated by the Union leadership.
However, it is important to clearly state that the Students’ Union Government did not at any point encourage or support any form of protest regarding this matter. Prior to the incident, the SUG leadership had already engaged in constructive discussions with the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, to formally present the concerns of the students.
During this engagement, the CMD gave assurances that he would instruct the Board of the College to carefully review and address the issues surrounding the implementation of the new fee structure, particularly considering the various categories of students currently in the institution.
Based on this assurance and the ongoing dialogue with management, the Students’ Union Government had advised students to remain calm and allow the administrative process and discussions with the relevant authorities to take their course.
While the protest reflects the depth of concern among the students, the Union strongly believes that constructive engagement, dialogue, and institutional processes remain the most effective means of resolving such matters.
The SUG, therefore, continues to appeal to all students to remain calm, orderly, and patient as the management works through the concerns that have been presented.
The Students’ Union Government remains fully committed to protecting the welfare and interests of the student body while maintaining a peaceful and stable academic environment within the College of Nursing Sciences, NAUTH Nnewi.”
