PG Students Protest Fee Hike In UNN

Post-graduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN,
yesterday barricaded the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ben
Ozumba, in protest against hike in their tuition fees, describing the
increase from N65,000 to N145,000 as outrageous.

The placard-carrying protesters, numbering over 200, marched round the
school and barricaded the VC's office.

Spokesman of the students, Mr. Paul Haaga, said: "To us, the increment
is outrageous. We are not against any increment, but it should be
reasonable. It is not fair to increase the fees for a session of nine
months from N69,000 to N145,000. Where do they expect us to get that
kind of money?

"We will continue this protest until the university reduces it. I do
not think it is a crime for one to further his education in UNN."

Dean of Post-Graduate School, Professor A. Ubachukwu, who addressed
the students, said: "Government does not give any allocation for
postgraduate school as it is assumed that post-graduate students are
adult and can pay cost for their education.

"I use my personal money at times to run the PG school. I have been
talking with some of your leaders on this issue for some time now and
we compared notes with other universi-ties before the increment on PG
school fees was made."

He commended them for the peaceful protest, adding "you are matured
and responsible.

"The increase is in your interest as it will enable you to graduate on
time and enhance teaching and learning."
--Vanguard