*NIGERIAN UNION OF CAMPUS JOURNALIST*
*UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR*
*UC/NUCJ/23/61*
*4-12 -023*
*FEE HIKE:MASSIVE PROTEST HITS UNICAL*
The University of Calabar witnessed a significant turnout of students early this morning, as they assembled in a peaceful protest against the sudden increase in school fees. The demonstration brought together students and student leaders from various hostels and off-campus residences, uniting at the school's main gate to display their solidarity.
Fortune Eze, a student from the Department of Human Anatomy, highlighted the grievances behind the protest during an interview with our press team saying, “_*the sudden hike in fees, added to existing departmental and faculty dues, will pose an overwhelming financial burden”_*. Expressing concerns about affordability, he cited personal family challenges, stating that the increased fees were unmanageable for many.
Comrade Jacob Okon, the NANS PRO Zone B, echoed similar sentiments saying, “_*Since the commencement of the present administration, students have encountered successive and substantial fee increments. A significant number of students are self-sponsored, raising concerns about the feasibility of affording fees that have risen from 50,000 to 147,000 and beyond. This steep escalation in fees has prompted the leadership of NANS Zone B to strongly oppose the entirety of the increase”_*.
Chisom Emmanuel passionately conveyed the suffocating impact of the fee hike saying, “*_Let the poor breath”_.*
Senate President Joe Patrick disclosed that, “_*Yesterday, we received a memo indicating a minor adjustment in our school fees. Contrary to this communication, upon closer examination, it became apparent that a substantial and significant increase had been implemented, far exceeding the purported minor adjustment. Consequently, we have initiated a protest to express our strong dissent against this considerable fee hike, asserting our disagreement with the sudden raise_*.
In response to inquiries about the awareness of the Senate body regarding the fee increment, he confirmed that, “*_the Senate was not informed”_*
Moreover, speaking about a recent meeting held between the management and selected student leaders, he said, “*_Senate principal officers, were present at the meeting, the management provided a prior indication of an impending fee hike without specifying the exact amount”_*
Friday Livinus, the President of the Chris Agara Scholarship Foundation, expressed apprehension about the dire consequences of the fee hike, particularly in relation to the foundation's support capacity. “*_Due to this fee increase and the prevailing economic and financial crisis across the country, Hon. Chris Agara may face challenges in covering the fees for approximately 200 students. This situation could result in a dilemma of deciding who will benefit and who may be forced to exit the program. The potential consequence could lead to students opting to drop out due to financial constraints. Therefore, I earnestly implore the university management to reconsider and annul the fee increment”_*.
Amidst the protest, the schools administrative staff, led by the Public Relations Officer, engaged with students, urging a cessation of the protest. Student leaders articulated specific terms for addressing their demands, including halting fee payment and issuing a formal memo before the day's end, which was subsequently addressed.
SUG President Comr. Kichi Godswill informed our press team the terms of agreement saying, “*_the school management agreed to release a memo postponing fee payments”_*. He highlighted plans for a forthcoming town hall meeting allowing broader student participation.
As of the report's writing, the school management issued a memo, signed by the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Effiong Eyo officially pausing school fee payments until further notice.
*Mfonma Afangideh*
*Editor*
*Nigeria Union Of Campus Journalists, University Of Calabar Council*
*(NUCJ-UCC)*
*Sandra Micheal*
*President,*
*Nigerian Union Of Campus*
*Journalist, University Of Calabar Council.*
*(NUCJ-UCC)*
Published by Ceo Billionaire Bill media Team and Blog.
