The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has expressed dismay over the decision of the management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, to impose a compulsory payment of N100,000 on students seeking official accommodation on campus.
NANS National President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, in a statement on Wednesday, described the policy as unacceptable and appalling.
Emonefe noted that NANS is appalled by the compulsory N100,000 accommodation fee recently imposed on students by the management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare.
He stated that NANS was aware that only medical and BDS students are those who pay compulsory accommodation fees due to the nature of their course, as is obtainable in many institutions, but lamented that imposing a huge sum of such nature on all students is insensitive, considering current economic realities faced by students and their families.
NANS stressed that education should be accessible and affordable for all, pointing out that such exorbitant fees only serve to further overburden students who are already grappling with rising costs of living and educational expenses.
The association therefore called on the management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, to immediately reverse its decision and make accommodation optional for students who are willing to stay on campus at an affordable price.
“It is crucial for the university to recognize the diverse financial situations of its students and to implement policies that support rather than hinder their academic pursuits,” the statement explained.
Restating its resolve to advocate for the rights of students, NANS warned that it would not hesitate to mobilize for action, if necessary, on the issue.
The association stated that it is important to emphasize the significance of creating a conducive learning environment that does not impose undue financial strain on students.
