Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) School of Nursing in Nnewi staged a protest on Monday morning following a sharp increase in school fees.
According to reports, the institution raised the annual tuition from ₦90,000 to ₦580,000 per academic session, a move that has sparked widespread outrage among students.
Students condemn fee hike
Many of the protesting students described the increase as excessive and unsustainable, particularly for those from low-income families. They argued that the sudden hike lacks transparency and could make it difficult for many aspiring nurses to continue their education.
Some students also expressed fears that the new fee structure could force several of their colleagues to drop out if no solution is found.
School cites institutional upgrades
In a memo dated January 23, 2026, obtained by NationGuard News, Prof. O. I. Ejiofor, CMAC and Chairman of the NAUTH Board of Nursing, explained that the increase is part of ongoing plans to upgrade the institution into a reputable monotechnic.
The directive applies to all programmes in the school, including Higher National Diploma (HND), Basic Nursing, and Midwifery, with immediate implementation of the new fees.
Despite the explanation, both students and parents have continued to express frustration over what they describe as a sudden and heavy financial burden.
Calls for review and government intervention
Critics say the steep increase reflects a growing trend in some Southeast institutions, where the cost of higher education is becoming increasingly expensive.
Many have called on the federal government to intervene by providing more funding or introducing scholarship schemes to support students.
A concerned observer noted that access to proper teaching resources is essential for training competent healthcare professionals, adding that institutions must balance development with affordability.
Others also warned that fee increases of such magnitude have, in the past, forced many students to abandon their studies.
Watch the video below…
Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, School of Nursing stage a protest this morning over the shocking increase in their school fees from ₦90,000 to ₦580,000. pic.twitter.com/6dnEZHGYs3
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) March 10, 2026
