By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Management of the School of Nursing Science, Itigidi, Cross River State, has disclaimed allegations of massive extortion leveled against her by students and parents of the school.
CrossRiverWatch had reported how some parents decried massive extortion in the school.
In a letter addressed to CrossRiverWatch, the Provost of the School, Mrs. Ruth Ita Ebong, said over the years, the College Management has observed with dismay the high level of doubling by students who falsify amounts of money validly requested of them to their parents.
She stated that the act is often known when curious parents take bold steps to inquire about the institution. She held that the College on its part would summon such students who would plead guilty and ask for pardon since according to the students, that is the only means of getting extra money from their parents to solve their needs and maintain upkeep.
The Provost explained that: “Nursing Education is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria; the activities mentioned such as indexing, final qualifying examination, and other NMCN activities are charged and paid directly into NMCN coffers though there is so much falsification of figures in your write-up. Payment for Nursing Council final qualifying examination registration which you raised here at N150,000 was a request of N100,000 following the portal for registration which was opened on 18th September to close by 4th October, 2024.”
She said the students were informed over six months ago when the College began preparing for the November 2024 FQE as alleged by students and parents.
Ruth explained further: “From what Nursing Council gave which is N58,160.75 using last year’s experience and whereas this examination is written at Calabar with about 8 Council Examiners to be accommodated, fed, and catered for by the College, the College Management therefore added N42,000 because the students themselves are to be accommodated here in Calabar, this was #7,000/student last year for four days. Then at least #30,000 will be charged by the centers for both written and practical in UNICAL and College of Nursing, Calabar respectively per student, vehicles fuelled to/from Calabar.
“General Nursing program requires clinical experiences in Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Public Health, Eye/Ear/Nose/Throat, Psychiatric, and Community-based experiences which have to do with posting students to Ikom, Obudu, Ugep, Calabar, etc. These health facilities demand money from the College for accommodation, clinical teaching materials, and honorarium for the teacher clinicians. These charges are not included in the fees, yet the activities are considered mandatory by NMCN, hence a shared responsibility by both the government and parents.”
The Management noted that the state College charges the lowest fees compared to other states whose students pay between N500,000 and N700,000. Adding that, “we still struggle between N175,000 and N245,000 only (indigenes and non-indigenes respectively).”
The school however, quarreled CrossRiverWatch, stating that “in light of the above, we wish to make a disclaimer to your publication as being false, unfounded, and intended to be used to tarnish the image of the College we have built over the years.”
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