University of Calabar Suspends Fee Hike Following Student Protest
In the official statement, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi acknowledged the protest and assured students that the new charges would be put on hold. The statement emphasized the university's commitment to addressing the matter through constructive engagements with the students.
AKACHI NOEL 
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has decided to halt the implementation of new fees after a widespread student protest, according to a statement by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi. The directive was communicated through the university's Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, and was made available to the public on Monday.
The decision to suspend the fee hike comes in the wake of the institution's management approving adjustments in school fees during an emergency meeting held on December 1. The newly proposed fees sparked a massive protest by students on Monday, resulting in the disruption of academic and official activities.
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In the official statement, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi acknowledged the protest and assured students that the new charges would be put on hold. The statement emphasized the university's commitment to addressing the matter through constructive engagements with the students.
"The management of this institution is a listening administration. We want to assure the students as critical stakeholders that appropriate arrangements have been put in place through constructive engagements with the students to resolve the matter," the statement read.
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The initial fee adjustments included increases for freshers, returning, and final-year students, with distinctions between non-science and science courses. The student body reacted strongly to the proposed changes, leading to the suspension of the new fees.
The university management commended the students for their mature, reasonable, and civilized manner of addressing the issue. Before the adjustment, average student fees ranged from N49,500 to N64,050, depending on the department and academic status.
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The University of Calabar's decision to suspend the fee hike reflects a responsiveness to student concerns and a commitment to constructive dialogue for a resolution.
