The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has announced the suspension of the new fees it introduced, following a protest by students.
The decision was conveyed in a statement by the university registrar, Gabriel Egbe, addressing the concerns raised by students over the recent adjustment in school fees.
The management of UNICAL had approved the adjustment during an emergency meeting held on December 1.
However, the move sparked a protest by students, leading to disruptions in the institution’s activities.
In response to the demonstration, the vice-chancellor of the university, Florence Obi, issued a statement assuring students that the new charges would be put on hold until further notice.
She acknowledged the students’ concerns and commended them for their mature, reasonable, and civilized approach in seeking a resolution.
“The management of this institution is a listening administration,” stated Vice-Chancellor Florence Obi.
“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 management, however, commends the students for the mature, reasonable and civilised manner exhibited towards resolving the matter.”
Under the revised fee structure, different categories of students were expected to pay varying amounts.
Freshers, returning students, and final-year students in non-science courses were to pay N111,000, N91,500, and N114,000, respectively, in addition to third-party dues of N36,500, N21,500, and N21,500, respectively.
For science courses, the charges were increased to N155,000, N125,000, and N148,000, respectively, with corresponding third-party dues of N38,500, N21,500, and N21,500.
