UNIZIK management, students agree on new fee structure

Consequent to the controversy that trailed the increment of fees and other charges at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the university management and the students of the institution have reached an agreement on a new school fees structure for the 2020/2021 academic year.

The new fee structure was approved at the end of a crucial meeting between the university management and students’ representatives held at the university’s Senate Chamber on Thursday night, July 15.

According to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, it was agreed that all forms of protest regarding the alleged fee hike in the university should be suspended, and any further protest from the students might lead to shutting down of the institution.

Also, students will continue with the current 2019/2020 school fees schedule, and the proposed 2020/2021 fee schedule has been suspended until further dialogue.

The VC who made it clear that the university leadership has the interest of the students at heart urged the students to go about their normal business without fear of intimidation or harassment from any quarter. He said that his administration has provided a very conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in the institution.

On his part, the president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Chukwuemeka Anih, represented at the meeting by his Vice-President, Augusta Ukoha, appealed to the students to remain calm as the management had agreed to revert to the 2019/2020 fees structure. He noted that the final document would soon be released to the public.