The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, has announced the suspension of the newly introduced ₦580,000 tuition fee for students of its School of Nursing, following widespread protests by the student body over the steep increase.
The proposed fee, which represents a nearly 500% hike from the previous ₦90,000 per session, was intended to cover tuition, maintenance, examination, medical, and portal fees. The increase, management explained, was part of efforts to align the nursing programme with current economic realities and the standards of the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) training, as mandated by the Nigerian Nursing and Midwifery Council (NNMC).
Student Protests and Concerns
Students of the School of Nursing staged demonstrations at the hospital’s main gate, carrying placards condemning the fee increase as “unfair” and “unaffordable.” Many expressed concern that the steep rise would make it difficult for families to sustain students’ education amid rising living costs.
Interestingly, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the College of Nursing disassociated itself from the protests, clarifying that it had not authorized the demonstrations. The union noted that it had been in dialogue with management regarding the fee increase and preferred official negotiations over street protests.
Management’s Response
The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, emphasized that the fee adjustment was a decision by the College Board and not an arbitrary move by management. He stated that even at ₦580,000, the programme remains among the most affordable nursing schools in the South-East region, highlighting that the fee is necessary to sustain quality education and operational standards.
Management also acknowledged the communication gap with students and confirmed that the fee has been suspended pending the formation of a committee. The committee will include student representatives, union leaders, and board members to ensure inclusive consultation and a mutually agreeable solution.
Background of the Fee Adjustment
The introduction of the new fee coincided with NAUTH’s transition to ND and HND nursing programmes. The hospital cited the need to support programme enhancements, infrastructure, and operational costs, which previously relied on minimal tuition and limited external funding.
