Students of the College of Nursing at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, have taken to the streets to protest what they describe as an unbearable increase in tuition fees—from ₦90,000 to a staggering ₦580,000.
The peaceful demonstration, which took place today, March 10, saw scores of aggrieved nursing students armed with placards and united voices, marching through the institution’s premises to register their displeasure with the management’s decision.
“We No Go Gree” — Students Vow to Resist Fee Hike
In videos circulating widely on social media, the determined students could be seen displaying placards with bold inscriptions highlighting their plight. One particularly striking placard read: “From N90,000 to N580,000. Very bad.”
The students also chanted solidarity songs, with choruses of “We no go gree, reduce the school fees, we no go gree” echoing through the campus as they marched in unity. The atmosphere was charged with frustration and determination as the future healthcare workers made their voices heard.
A 544% Increase: The Burden on Students and Parents
The fee increment represents more than a six-fold increase, placing enormous financial pressure on students and their families. For many Nigerian families already grappling with economic hardship, inflation, and the rising cost of living, this development could mean the difference between continuing education or dropping out.
The College of Nursing, which is affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital—one of Anambra State’s leading tertiary healthcare institutions—has not yet issued an official statement addressing the students’ concerns or explaining the rationale behind the sudden hike.
Growing Trend of Fee Hikes Across Nigerian Institutions
This protest in Nnewi is part of a disturbing trend across Nigerian tertiary institutions, where students have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest astronomical increases in tuition and other fees. From universities to polytechnics and colleges of education, the story remains the same: school fees are climbing beyond the reach of average Nigerian families.
Many education stakeholders have expressed concern that these increases could deny thousands of talented young Nigerians access to quality education, ultimately affecting the country’s human capital development.
What Happens Next?
As of the time of this report, the management of the College of Nursing and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital has not released any statement regarding the protests or the fee structure.
Students and concerned Nigerians are now waiting to see whether the institution’s authorities will engage with the protesters and reconsider the increment, or if the impasse will continue.
What do you think about this development? Should Nigerian institutions be more considerate of students’ financial realities? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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