NANS Proposes Flexible Fee Payment Plan Amid MOUAU Campus Closure

In response to the recent upheaval at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), where students were barred from taking exams due to outstanding fees, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has stepped in with a proposal for a more flexible fee payment plan.

The unrest, which led to the abrupt closure of MOUAU's campus, underscores the growing tension between students struggling to meet financial obligations and university administrations upholding strict payment policies.

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Pedro Obi, President of NANS, condemned MOUAU's "no pay, no exam" stance as unjust, particularly given the prevailing economic challenges facing many Nigerian families. He emphasized the need for education to remain accessible to all, regardless of financial status.

"We cannot ignore the reality that expecting students to make lump-sum payments for tuition fees is impractical for many," Obi stated during a press conference in Enugu. "It not only jeopardizes their academic progress but also exacerbates socio-economic inequalities."

READ: Students Forced Out of Exam Halls over Unpaid Fees at MOAU, Violent Clashes Erupt

In light of these concerns, NANS proposes the implementation of an installment-based fee payment policy, allowing students to spread their financial obligations across manageable intervals throughout the semester. This approach, they argue, would alleviate the financial burden on students and reduce the risk of dropouts.

Maduebibisi Iwe, the vice-chancellor of MOUAU, defended the institution's stance, citing the global precedent of "no pay, no exam." However, he expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with student representatives to explore alternative solutions.

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The call for a more flexible fee payment plan has gained traction among students nationwide, with many expressing solidarity with their peers at MOUAU. As discussions between university officials and student representatives unfold, stakeholders remain hopeful for a resolution that balances fiscal responsibility with educational accessibility.

The outcome of these deliberations could have far-reaching implications for higher education in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of collaborative problem-solving and student advocacy in addressing systemic challenges.