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By Iheanyi Chukwudi
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the Management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) for imposing hard conditions on students during examinations.
MOUAU management was said to have denied the students the opportunity to write their examinations unless they have made full payment of their school fees which resulted in a protest.
But reacting to the development yesterday in Enugu, President of NANS, Comrade Pedro Obi, called on the MOUAU Management to immediately halt the "no full payment of school fees, no examination mandate," and embrace a more student-friendly approach to school fees payment.
He said, "It has come to our attention that students are being denied the opportunity to write their examinations unless they have made full payment of their school fees.
"This action by the university management is very unfair, especially considering the current economic situation in Nigeria."
"We are deeply concerned that this approach will lead to a significant number of dropouts, negatively affecting the lives and education of our students, thereby leading to more security challenges in the country."
The National Secretariat of NANS firmly believes that education should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial background.
"We urge the university management to kindly consider alternative ways of addressing the issue of school fees payment. Such approach could be splitting the payment into manageable installments per semester, rather than expecting a one-time payment."
Furthermore, he said, "NANS National Secretariat calls on the University Management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to immediately halt this unfair practice and work towards a more student-friendly approach to school fees payment."
"Education should not be a privilege reserved for a select few, but a fundamental right accessible to all."
The NANS President disclosed that the National Secretariat of association had in response to the matter, the NANS set up a five-man committee to swiftly intervene and bring the situation under control.
Members of the Committee according to him are: Comrade Cokey Nwachukwu, Chairman; Comrade Josephine Kufre Ikpe-Abasi, Comrade Felix Ifeyinwa, Orji Frank and
Comrade Chijioke Emmanuel (SUG President of the university), Secretary.
The committee he assured would engage in constructive dialogue with the university management to find a resolution that ensures the rights and well-being of the students are protected.
"We implore the University Management to prioritize the welfare of the students and cooperate fully with the committee set up by NANS National Secretariat."
He said that the National Secretariat condemn in totality the destruction of School or Government Properties as genuine students should not be found engaging themselves in such act, as it jeopardizes our genuine and well intended struggle for an egalitarian society.
"We urge all students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to remain calm and patient as the committee works tirelessly to resolve this issue."
"Haven cried out, your voices have been heard, and we are committed to fighting for your rights," he said.
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