Peace returns to Unizik as students, management reach truce

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Nnamdi Azikiwe University Thursday night agreed to suspend the recent harmonization that resulted in increase in its Schedule of Fees for the 2020/2021 Academic Session and revert to that of 2019/2020.

In good faith to the University management’s decision, the students have resolved to call off the five-day old protest they commenced since Monday, to register their disagreement over the fees hike.

These were the outcome of a two-day negotiation between the University management, the Governing Council and the representatives of the Students Union Government.

On Thursday night, it appeared all parties have found a common ground.

Recall that activities had been grounded in the institution since Monday, following a massive protest by the students, over alleged increase in their fees, although the University management had denied that, claiming it only harmonized all fees payable in the school.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Charles Esimone who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, expressed the hope that the outcome of the dialogue will put an end to the unrest in the University.

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According to him, it has become pertinent to address the world on the issues going round on social media regarding the fees structure of the University.

“At the meeting, the University schedule of fees structure was discussed extensively by members of the University management and representative of the various students associations. We are happy to inform the public that an agreement has been reached. We want to state also that Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains a peaceful university and we have been able to address issues that crop up with decorum,” he said.

Professor Esimone noted that with the agreement, any student that embarks on any form of protest would be deemed to be an intruder and treated as such, calling on the law enforcement agencies to be on alert to ensure that there is no breach of peace within the university.

The VC assured that his administration is committed to ensuring that students of the University acquire standard education under very conducive environment and will not relent at doing so.

The SUG Vice President of the University, Augusta Ukoha who represented the SUG President, Chukwuemeka Anyim assured the students that the University management has agreed to revert to the 2012 fees structure, saying the final document will soon be released.

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“It is no longer news that we, the students have been on this negotiation table for the last five days and we are happy to tell our students that there has been a reduction in their fees. The decisions we took here are in the best interest of the students and the university management. We hope that eventually when this document come out, there will no longer be any protests as our decision here was collective,” the SUG President enthused.

On his part, the President, Council of Faculties Presidents, Comrade Ogoegbulem Nzubechukwu expressed satisfaction at the level of commitment of the University management to resolve the matter, calling for an end to the protests.

He spoke on the successes of the negotiations.

“Initially when this semester started, year three students were to pay a fee of N55,200 including the Association and Union dues but now it has been reduced to under N30,000 including all the dues. That means we achieved over N15,000 deduction for them.

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“For year two students, they paid about N100,000 when they came into the school last year and when this semester started, they were meant to pay about N55,200. However, we are happy to inform them that we have gotten a discount of well over N10,000,” Nzubechukwu said.

The Union leader explained that the success was achieved because the University management has shown commitment towards availing the students, quality education as well as the doggedness of the student association representatives to secure a better bargain for the students.

“Although this may not be what we want, it is a major achievement and from where we will continue to build. The Aluta spirit is working,” he maintained.

On their part, the Chairman, Council of Departmental Presidents, Edomobi Chinasa and the Chairman, Council of Class Representatives in the University, Onuoha Wisdom, commended the students for sustaining the struggle through peaceful protest.

They however urged the students to retreat and concentrate on their studies and shun further protests, as the matter has been laid to rest.

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