Nursing students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, have staged a protest following a staggering tuition hike from ₦90,000 to ₦580,000.
The “shocking increase” was detailed in a January 23 internal memo signed by Dr. O. I. Ezejiofor, CMAC and Chairman of the NAUTH College of Nursing Board. In the announcement, hospital management defended the upward review as a necessary step toward upgrading the institution’s facilities and standards.
“The hospital management and the Board of the College of Nursing, in an ongoing effort towards upgrading the institution to a reputable monotechnic, have approved an upward review of students’ school fees across all levels in the college (HND/Basic Nursing and Midwifery) in line with the current economic realities and high operational costs, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session,” the circular reads.
A breakdown of the new fee structure reveals a steep cumulative cost: ₦250,000 for tuition, ₦50,000 for library access, ₦30,000 for medical services, and ₦60,000 for examinations. Additionally, the list includes ₦50,000 for accreditation, ₦30,000 for transport, ₦20,000 for portal access, and two separate maintenance and caution charges totaling ₦90,000—bringing the final tally to ₦580,000. Consequently, the hospital has directed the students to:
“ensure full and immediate implementation of the new school fees”.
In a defiant stand against the price hike, students converged on the hospital’s main gate this Tuesday, hoisting placards with messages like, “From ₦90,000 to ₦580,000—Very Bad.” Clad in a mix of traditional milk-colored nursing uniforms and casual black-and-white attire, the protesters marched in unity, their solidarity songs echoing across the campus. Despite the unfolding unrest, hospital management has yet to issue an official comment as of this report.
In a statement issued Sunday, the College’s Student Union President, Chukwuelue Chisom, addressed the growing unrest by confirming that the student leadership is actively “engaging the hospital management on the matter.” Acknowledging the students’ concerns, Chisom clarified that the price hike was a strategic move by the administration, stating: “It is important to note that the review of school fees was communicated through an official internal memo issued by the hospital management and the college board as part of efforts aimed at strengthening academic standards and meeting evolving educational requirements.
“The SUG leadership is fully aware of the financial and emotional burden this increment may place on students and their families. In response, we have initiated constructive dialogue with the college authorities and hospital management to present students’ concerns and explore possible avenues for understanding and support.”
Social media reactions have been equally fierce. Sen. Idris Haruna condemned the move, writing, “Hiking school fees by over 500% is nothing short of academic robbery. NAUTH is turning a vital nursing education into a privilege for the wealthy, completely ignoring the struggles of hardworking students. This is unacceptable and demands urgent reversal.”
Echoing this sentiment, Joseph Pajos remarked on the devastating timing of the hike: “That’s over 500% increase. This is honestly shocking. At a time when families are battling inflation and rising living costs, pushing school fees this high will only shut the door of education on many students.”
As of March 10, 2026, the peaceful protest remains ongoing near the hospital’s main gate.
