Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) School of Nursing, Nnewi, staged a protest on Monday morning following an unprecedented hike in school fees.
The fees reportedly increased from ₦90,000 to ₦580,000 per academic session, sparking outrage among the students.
Many of the protesting students described the increase as “outrageous” and unsustainable, particularly for those from low-income families who struggle to fund their education.
According to them, the sudden surge lacks transparency and could significantly limit access to training for aspiring nurses.
In a memo dated January 23, 2026, and obtained by NationGuard News, Prof. O. I. Ejiofor, CMAC and Chairman of the NAUTH Board of Nursing, stated that the increase forms part of efforts to upgrade the institution into a reputable monotechnic.
The directive reportedly affects all levels of study, including HND, Basic Nursing, and Midwifery students, and was ordered to take immediate effect.
However, students and parents say the decision places a heavy financial burden on families, especially given the current economic conditions.
Some critics also argue that steep fee hikes are becoming increasingly common in institutions across Southeast Nigeria, raising concerns that higher education in the region is gradually becoming commercialised.
Observers have therefore urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene by providing funding support or introducing scholarship schemes to protect students.
“Students need basic teaching aids to learn, and the school cannot risk producing poorly trained graduates,” one concerned observer said.
Others warned that dramatic fee increases like this have previously forced many students to drop out of school.
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Published by Ejoh Caleb
