Awka – The Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Professor Charles Esimone, on Tuesday, told students of the institution that the University Management under his leadership did not increase school fees.
The VC said the Management only harmonised the different fees, adding that no student was expected to pay any other Faculties, Department and Union fees.
The VC was addressing protesters who besieged the Administrative Building of the University, as the protest against alleged school fees increment enters day two today.
The Orientation Course for first year students of the University students was today disrupted, as protesters stormed the venue in a bid to bring the school management to address the issue of school fees increment.
The protesters who refused to be controlled, chanted in defiance, insisting they want to speak with the Vice-Chancellor of the University, before they proceeded to the Administrative block.
The students are also alleging the university Management’s connivance with the Student Union Government (SUG) over the purported increment.
But while addressing the students at the school premises, Professor Esimone informed them that the harmonisation came up in keeping with the Federal Government instruction on Treasury Single Account (TSA), stipulating that no Faculty or Department should have separate accounts.
He said based on this, the University Management constituted a Committee (Committee on School Fees Reform) that carried out the harmonisation of school fees which gave rise to its implementation since 2019/2020 Academic Session.
“The harmonised fees include Faculty levy, Departmental levy, Convocation levy, Students Union Fees, ICT Services, Examination fee, Laboratory/Studies/Clinical Fee, Laboratory test, x-Ray test, National Health Insurance Scheme, Development Levy, Students Union Fee Accreditation and Convocation fee,” the VC explained.
He appealed to the students to stop protesting and allow the already peace and harmony in the institution to continue.
“My children, I have your interest at heart. I cannot deceive you. I have listened to your cry. With every sense of humility, I empathize and fully understand the hardship, suffering and emotional turmoil you’re passing through.
“I have heard all you said, and I agree with you. I’ve come to address you as your father. I assure you that all your legitimate complaints and concerns from A-Z will be reviewed and implemented.
“I’ve set up a management committee, who will meet with your representatives. But you have to choose among yourselves, representatives for the negotiations within 24hours”, the Vice-Chancellor pleaded.
