UNICROSS Students Petition Management Over "Exorbitant" 60% Fee Hike and Neglected Facilities

Students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) have submitted an urgent petition to the University Management, expressing "utmost frustration and disappointment" over a recent, unilateral sixty per cent (60%) hike in school fees and other charges for both new and returning students.

The students argue that the hike, particularly in the acceptance fee, is an "affront" to the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4), which guarantees the right to education, questioning how such an exorbitant increase can be justified knowing it will "deny access to many deserving students."

Grievances and Demand for Dialogue

The petitioners expressed their displeasure over the lack of consultation and consideration for the student body's plight, viewing the decision as a "clear demonstration of the management's disregard for our rights and interests."

The students' grievances extend beyond the financial burden to critical issues of welfare and administration:

 * Deplorable Hostel Environments: Students report that hostel facilities are akin to "slums rather than facilities of learning."

 * Dysfunctional Student Union: The student representation system is deemed "dysfunctional," with elected leaders accused of prioritizing personal gain over student advocacy.

 * Administrative Inability: The management is being criticized for its inability to:

   * Provide access to results on the school portal.

   * Grant supplementary examinations to students unfairly denied the opportunity to sit for their courses.

   * Clear the names of graduated students who have met the requirements for mobilization

The students are demanding an immediate and unconditional response to these pressing issues. They have requested a physical meeting with the management team to engage in a constructive dialogue and find lasting solutions.

The petition concludes with a pledge from the student community to remain united in their pursuit of fair and just resolution, declaring, "We will not be silenced or intimidated. We will continue to agitate for our rights until our concerns are addressed."

Some of the Demands Outlined by the Concerned Students:

 * Immediate reversal of the increment of school charges.

 * Functional student representation system.

 * Restoration of access to results on the school portal.

 * Grant of supplementary examinations to affected students.

 * Clearance of graduated students who have met the requirements for mobilization.

 * Improvement on the dilapidated student’s hostel.

 * Others; to be discussed at the physical meeting.