NAUTH Reacts as Nursing Students Protest Tuition Hike from N90,000 to N580,000: Students of the School of Nursing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, on Tuesday protested a sharp increase in their tuition fees, describing the development as sudden and difficult to accept.
The protest followed the announcement that school fees were increased from N90,000 to N580,000, a change many students said placed serious financial pressure on them and their sponsors.
Why NAUTH Increased Nursing School Fees
According to reports, the increment came after an internal memo dated January 23 and reportedly signed by O. I. Ezejiofor, CMAC and Chairman of the Board of NAUTH College of Nursing. The memo explained that the upward review of tuition became necessary to improve facilities and upgrade training standards within the institution.
Students who gathered during the protest said they want the management to reconsider the decision, adding that such a large increase should have been introduced gradually.
Some students explained that they have already made financial plans based on the old fees, and the sudden adjustment has created uncertainty for many of them.
NAUTH Management Reacts to Students’ Protest
Speaking with DAILY POST, the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugonna, confirmed that there was indeed an increment in tuition fees.
He stated that although he was away when the protest happened, he had received full reports and will engage both the governing board and student representatives once he returns.
“Once I return, we will meet with members of the board and the student union leadership so that we can discuss and harmonize issues,” he said.
According to him, the newly inaugurated board reviewed the tuition structure with the aim of improving the quality of education and training offered to nursing students.
He added that although management approved the proposed N580,000 fee, there is still room to review the decision again if necessary.
“Our fees have been very low for years,” he explained. “Even with the increment, we are still among the lowest in the South East. Students who were paying N90,000 may find it difficult at first, but the goal is to maintain standards.”
Management Speaks on Hostel and Accommodation Complaints
Addressing complaints about accommodation costs, Prof. Ugonna clarified that NAUTH does not own student hostels.
He explained that most hostels around the school environment are privately owned, meaning agreements are strictly between students and hostel operators.
Student Union Distances Itself From Protest
Meanwhile, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Chinyere Onwuka, said the official student union leadership has dissociated itself from the protest.
According to her, the union submitted a letter to management stating that it was not responsible for organizing the demonstration.
“I have the letter here,” she said. “I do not know those who organized the protest. Let’s stay clear that the fee adjustment was carefully considered.”
She further explained that the approved tuition covers feeding and transportation for students during clinical postings to Enugu.
NAUTH Says Fees Remain Affordable Compared to Other Schools
Onwuka insisted that when compared with other schools of nursing across the South East region, NAUTH still remains relatively affordable.
She noted that some institutions charge up to N800,000 as tuition for returning students, excluding feeding and other expenses.
Let check it carefully, management believes the adjustment is necessary to keep up with rising operational costs and maintain professional training standards for nursing students.
Source: Campus Informant, Daily Post
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel by CLICKING HERE and you can comment through the comments section if you have any questions or contributions.
