Nursing students protest more than 400% increase in tuition fees – from N90,000 to N580,000
School of Nursing students, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Anambra State, have protested the sharp increase in their tuition fees from N90,000 to N580,000.
In an internal memo reportedly issued on January 23 by O. I. Ezejiofor, CMAC/chairman of the Board of NAUTH College of Nursing, the hospital management announced an upward review of the students’ school fees, citing the need to upgrade the institution.
“The hospital management and the Board of the College of Nursing, in an ongoing effort towards upgrading the institution to a reputable monotechnic, have approved an upward review of students’ school fees across all levels in the college (HND/Basic Nursing and Midwifery) in line with the current economic realities and high operational costs, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session,” the circular reads.
In the breakdown of the new fees attached to the memo, N250,000 was listed as tuition, N50,000 for maintenance/caution fee, N50,000 for library fee, N30,000 for medical fee, and N60,000 for examination fees.
The list also includes N20,000 portal fee, N30,000 for transport, N50,000 for accreditation, and N40,000 for another maintenance fee, bringing the total to N580,000.
The hospital directed the students to “ensure full and immediate implementation of the new school fees”.
In response to the hike, the students staged a protest in front of the hospital’s main gate on Tuesday, displaying placards with various inscriptions, including “From N90,000 to N580,000. Very bad”.
They chanted solidarity songs as they marched in front of the institution’s main gate.
As of the time of filing this report, the hospital management had yet to make an official comment on the incident.
In a statement, Chukwuelue Chisom, the student union president of the college, acknowledged students’ concerns over the increment, saying the leadership of the union was engaging the hospital management on the matter.
“It is important to note that the review of school fees was communicated through an official internal memo issued by the hospital management and the college board as part of efforts aimed at strengthening academic standards and meeting evolving educational requirements,” Chisom said.
“The SUG leadership is fully aware of the financial and emotional burden this increment may place on students and their families. In response, we have initiated constructive dialogue with the college authorities and hospital management to present students’ concerns and explore possible avenues for understanding and support.”
The SUG president said his leadership remains committed to protecting the welfare, interests, and academic stability of all students through responsible engagement and transparent communication.
He urged students to channel their concerns through appropriate and established communication platforms, including the SUG, rather than relying on unverified publications or social media narratives.
