The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the decision of the management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, to impose a compulsory accommodation fee of N100,000 on students seeking official housing on campus.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the National President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, the association described the policy as unacceptable and appalling.
“NANS is appalled by the compulsory 100,000 Naira accommodation fee recently imposed on students by the management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare,” the statement read.
The association pointed out that traditionally, only Medical and BDS students were required to pay for compulsory accommodation due to the nature of their courses. They criticized the imposition of such a significant fee on all students as insensitive and a negation of the current economic realities faced by students and their families.
“NANS believes that education should be accessible and affordable for all, and such exorbitant fees only serve to further burden students who are already grappling with rising costs of living and educational expenses,” the statement continued.
NANS called on the university’s management to immediately reverse its decision and make accommodation optional for students who wish to reside on campus at a more affordable price. They emphasized the importance of recognizing the diverse financial situations of students and implementing policies that support their academic pursuits rather than hinder them.
Furthermore, the association reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights of students and warned that it would not hesitate to mobilize for action if necessary regarding this issue.
“In conclusion, it is important to emphasize the significance of creating a conducive learning environment that does not impose undue financial strain on students,” the statement concluded.