Students of the College of Nursing at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi took to the streets on Tuesday to protest what they described as a sharp and unexpected increase in their tuition fees.
The students, visibly angered by the development, staged a peaceful demonstration within the premises of the institution, demanding an immediate reversal of the new fee structure. The protest gained wider attention after a video of the demonstration circulated on social media, showing the students chanting protest songs and holding placards to express their grievances.
In the viral footage, the protesting students repeatedly chanted, “We no go gree, reduce the school fees, we no go gree,” as they marched in groups around the school environment.
The demonstration reflected growing frustration among the students, many of whom said the sudden increase in tuition could make it difficult for them to continue their studies.
Several students involved in the protest said the new fee structure came as a shock and was introduced without adequate consultation or consideration of the economic realities facing many families.
They argued that the increase could force some students to suspend their education if the authorities fail to review the decision.
Placards displayed during the protest reportedly carried messages calling on the management to reconsider the hike and ensure that nursing education remains accessible to aspiring healthcare professionals.
Some protesters also appealed to relevant government authorities to intervene and help address the situation before it escalates further.
The College of Nursing is affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, one of the major tertiary healthcare institutions in Anambra State.
The institution plays a significant role in training nurses and other healthcare professionals who contribute to the delivery of medical services in the state and across Nigeria.
Observers note that any prolonged disruption in academic activities at the college could have implications for the training pipeline of healthcare workers.
As of the time the protest occurred, the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital had not issued an official statement addressing the students’ complaints or outlining plans to review the tuition increase.
However, education stakeholders say dialogue between the students and the school authorities will be crucial in resolving the matter and restoring calm within the institution.
The protest highlights the broader concerns about rising education costs in Nigeria, particularly in professional training programmes such as nursing and medicine, where students often face significant financial demands.
For now, the protesting students insist that their demonstration will continue to draw attention to their demands until authorities take steps to reconsider the fee hike and provide relief to affected students.
