There is anxiety among several students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Awka, Anambra State following their inability to meet up with deadline for payment of school charges by management.
The Acting Head, Information and Public Relations Unit of the institution, Chika Ene had in a notice said, “The Vice Chancellor has graciously approved the final extension for the payment of school charges to Sunday 23rd July, 2023.
“This is the second and final extension for the payment of the school charges. Students are advised to make payment promptly so they can be able to register courses for the upcoming examinations.”
But the students affected by the deadline were worried over management refusal to extend the time, particularly in view of current economic realities.
Some of the students who spoke on condition of anonymity, accused the management of insensitivity to their plight, saying they were finding it difficult to concentrate to prepare for examinations as their fate was hanging in the balance.
They appealed for more understanding and indefinite suspension of the deadline.
“It is not that we don’t want to pay the school charges, we have always been paying, some of us were even paying immediately we resumed from holidays but things are hard for our parents at the moment.
“We want the school authorities to give our parents some time to rally round for the money to pay the charges.
“It was announced at certain time that any student who didn’t pay at the expiration of the final extension would pay a fine of N25,000. This is harsh and inconsiderate on the part of the management,” they said.
The students also accused leadership of Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution of connivance with school authority, instead of protecting their interests.
“We are aware of what SUG of other schools are doing towards the protection of the interest of their students but here in UNIZIK, we are on our own.” they berated.
