A cross section of parents of the students of the College of Nursing, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti have cried out to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for help following the alleged exorbitant charges placed on students’ hostels by management of the school.
The parents who contacted our correspondent, accused the management of the College of forcefully moving students out of their old hostels of #100,000 to a newly built one which has been fixed at two hundred and eighty thousand Naira (#280,000) per session with a threat that students who failed to move into the new facility will forfeit their studentship.
The parents noted that such decision was harsh considering the current economic realities adding that the school management ought to have discussed the matter with them before taking such decision.
This allegation was also corroborated by the End Committee members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ekiti Joint Campus Councils (JCC), who threatened to disrupt the school activities if urgent step is not taken to address the matter.
The students in a statement signed by the Chairman, Comrade Asaolu Samuel and other executives noted that the mandatory sum of
two hundred and eighty thousand Naira placed on accommodation by the school is unreasonable, hence it must be reversed.
The statement by NANs reads:”The mandatory accommodation charge of ₦280,000 imposed on students is not only exorbitant but also imposes an immense financial burden on students who are already struggling to meet their basic needs. This fee stands to undermine the core principles of accessible and affordable education, which are crucial for fostering socio-economic growth in our state and nation.
“As advocates for the student community, NANS Ekiti JCC firmly opposes this unlawful charge and urges the Ekiti State Government to investigate the provost’s actions and take necessary measures to alleviate this undue financial strain on students.
“We further urge the government to prioritize the welfare of students and ensure that their rights and interests are protected at all times.
“Failure to address these pressing concerns may result in severe consequences, including disruptions in the academic progress of students and potential unrest within the institution.
When contacted, the Provost of the College, Mrs Olabisi Awe confirmed the request for the payment of two hundred and eighty thousand Naira but said it wasn’t her sole decision.
She noted that the hostel was built by a private individual in partnership with the school adding that the private individual insisted on three hundred and fifty thousand Naira at initial stage but it took the efforts of the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti to bring the price down to #280,000.
The Provost confirmed that the insistence that students live within the school was a directive from the regulatory council as part of criteria for accreditation.
She said before now, the school rented two apartments outside the school where the students reside which she said was against the required standard.
