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The administration of the College of Nursing Science in Itigidi, Cross River State, has dismissed reports regarding allegations of financial extortion by the institution.
In a statement from the institution’s Provost, Ruth Ekong, on Wednesday, the management expressed concern over the inflation of amounts being claimed from students and communicated to their parents.
Ekong emphasised that nursing education is overseen by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, explaining that costs associated with activities like indexing and final qualifying examinations are paid directly to the NMCN, contrary to what has been circulating social media.
She also pointed out that the fees charged by colleges in Cross River State are the lowest compared to other states where tuition can be three times higher.
The Provost rejected the publication as unfounded and misleading, indicating it aimed to damage the college’s reputation, and cautioned that missteps in the investigation could lead to legal action for libel and slander.
She explained, “General Nursing programme 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, and yet the activities are considered mandatory by NMCN, hence a shared responsibility by both the government and parents.
“It may interest you to know that Cross River State Colleges charge the least fees as compared to other states whose students pay between N500,000 and N700,000. We still struggle between N175,000 and N245,000 only for indigents and non-indigents respectively.”
