NANS backs Michael Okpara varsity students protest over fee hike

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has berated the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike for denying students who are yet to pay their fees the opportunity to take the first semester examination.

NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, while reacting to the development in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the Association was fully in support of the students’ protest to register their grievances over the unfair policies of the university management.

“We have been informed about the troubling practice at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, where examinations are being withheld from students who have not fully paid their school fees.

“This policy is worrisome because many students and their families are currently facing financial challenges and may not be able to afford the full payment at once,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, had on Tuesday announced an indefinite closure of the institution in a statement over the students’ protest.

He ordered all students to vacate the university’s premises immediately, noting that the directive was to safeguard life and property on the campus.

This followed a protest staged by a large number of students over the alleged refusal of the authorities to allow those who had yet to pay their fees to sit for the ongoing first semester examination.

The protesters also complained about what they described as “the geometric hike” in the university’s tuition fees.

But the NANS President, in a statement, said that by denying the affected students the opportunity to take their examinations, their academic future is jeopardized, “which contradicts the principle of equal access to education”.

He insisted that education is a fundamental right, and every student should be able to excel academically regardless of their financial situation.

He added that imposing such unfair conditions during examinations not only undermines fairness but also obstructs the goal of providing quality education.

While urging the Federal Government to intervene in the resolution of the crisis, Emonefe equally called on the University Management to reconsider their decision and find alternative solutions that do not discriminate against students based on their financial status.

He said: “In response, the Coordinator of NANS Southeast and Chairman of Abia Axis Joint Campus Council have been tasked with finding ways to resolve the issue so that students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, can continue their exams without hindrance.

“Furthermore, we call on the Nigerian government, particularly the Minister of Education, to intervene in this matter and ensure that all tertiary institutions in the country adhere to fair and inclusive policies regarding school fees and exams.

“Education is crucial for our nation’s development, and it is essential that every student has equal opportunities to succeed.

“We stand in solidarity with the affected students and will continue to advocate for their rights and well-being.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students will not tolerate any form of injustice or discrimination in our educational institutions. We demand immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure that all students are treated fairly,” the NANS President stated.