Anambra Nursing College SUG Denies Involvement in Fee Protest

Students of the College of Nursing Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, on Tuesday staged a protest at the school gate over a significant hike in tuition fees. The demonstrators carried placards to lament the increase from ₦95,000 to ₦580,000.

However, the Students’ Union Government has distanced itself from the action. In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, SUG President Chisom Chukwuelue explained that the union was not involved in the protest. She revealed that the union had already engaged the management of the institution over the fee hike and was awaiting the outcome of a proposed roundtable discussion.

Chukwuelue noted that the union had formally communicated the concerns and apprehensions of students to the management of NAUTH to seek clarification and possible reconsideration of aspects of the newly introduced fee structure.

"We took the responsible steps to engage the appropriate authorities of the institution. During this engagement, the Management acknowledged the concerns presented by the Students’ Union and assured the leadership that the matter had been taken seriously," the statement read.

She added that the management promised to set up a panel to address the issues. "We were informed that a panel would be constituted by the Hospital Management and the Board of the College to carefully review the issues raised regarding the fee adjustment and make appropriate recommendations. In the interest of responsible leadership, institutional respect, and constructive dialogue, the Students’ Union Government accepted the assurances given by the management and resolved to allow the constituted panel and the appropriate administrative processes the opportunity to review the matter."

Chukwuelue said some students, overwhelmed by the emotional and financial implications of the development, staged the protest before the outcome of the review process could be communicated. She added that the union remained committed to protecting the welfare and academic stability of students while maintaining a constructive relationship with the management.

"Leadership, in moments such as this, requires both empathy for the concerns of students and the wisdom to pursue solutions through lawful and institutional processes," she added.

The SUG appealed to students to remain calm and patient as the panel set up by the hospital management and the board of the college reviews the matter.