The College of Nursing Sciences students who demonstrated outside the school gate on Tuesday against the tuition increase have been expelled from the institution by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.
Protesters in Nnewi were students who were upset over the tuition hike, which they said had gone from 95,000 to 580,000 Nigerian naira.
However, according to a press release that was made accessible to journalists by the president, Chukwuelue Chisom, the leadership of the student union at the institution denied any knowledge of the protest and denied being involved in it.
Chukwuelue stated that prior to learning of the student demonstration, the SUG had already contacted the institution’s administration regarding the tuition increase and had received a positive response regarding a roundtable meeting to help with adjustment.
“The SUG leadership formally communicated the concerns and apprehensions of students to the Management of NAUTH in order to seek clarity and possible reconsideration regarding aspects of the newly introduced fee structure,” said a news release made by the SUG president.
The proper authorities of the institution were contacted by us, and we acted responsibly. Throughout this meeting, management listened to the students’ union’s complaints and reassured upper management that they were taking the issue seriously.
The Hospital Management and the Board of the College assured us that they would organise a panel to examine the concerns voiced about the fee adjustment and provide suitable recommendations.
Accepting management’s promises and resolving to give the formed panel and the proper administrative processes a chance to assess the problem, the Students’ Union Government accepted responsibility as a leader, respected the institution, and sought constructive conversation.
“Regrettably, some students, unable to cope with the psychological and monetary effects of the change, resorted to protesting in an effort to air their grievances before the results of the review could be announced.”
Under the president’s leadership, the union will continue to prioritise students’ well-being, academic stability, and collective interests while upholding respect, according to the president.
The speaker continued by saying that leaders in these situations need to understand the students’ pain points while still having the good sense to seek out answers through legitimate channels.
She pleaded with the students to keep quiet, be respectful, and be patient while the committee formed by the college board and the hospital administration reviewed the situation.