NAUTH Suspends Nursing Tuition Hike Following Student Protests

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Following student protests, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) management has suspended a massive tuition hike at its College of Nursing Sciences.

Students marched at the hospital gates in Nnewi, Anambra State, after fees skyrocketed from N90,000 to N580,000.

An internal memo initially justified the 544% increase as necessary for upgrading the college into a monotechnic. The new structure introduced heavy costs for tuition, examinations, accreditation, and clinical logistics, which triggered the immediate backlash.

In response to the unrest, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, halted the implementation to allow for further consultation. He pledged to meet with the hospital board and student representatives to find a more manageable financial middle ground.

Ugboaja noted that the institution had kept fees exceptionally low for years and claimed the new rates were still competitive within the South-East. He emphasized that the revenue was intended to improve facilities and maintain academic excellence.

However, students labeled the hike as “exploitative” and “insensitive” given Nigeria’s current economic climate. Protesters carried placards warning that such a drastic increase would force many students to drop out due to financial hardship.

The hospital’s spokesperson, Mrs. Chinyere Onwuka, argued that the fees were moderate compared to other schools charging up to N800,000. She explained the N580,000 figure was intended to cover comprehensive costs, including student feeding and transportation.

While the suspension has restored temporary peace, the final fee remains undecided. Both parties are now set to continue negotiations to balance the school’s development goals with the students’ ability to pay.