The College of Nursing Science in Itigidi, Cross River State, has refuted claims of financial exploitation within the institution.
According to a statement from the Provost, Ruth Ekong, on Wednesday, the management is troubled by the exaggeration of fees reportedly demanded from students and communicated to their parents.
Ekong highlighted that nursing education follows regulations set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. She clarified that expenses related to processes like indexing and final qualifying exams are paid directly to the NMCN, contrary to misinformation circulating on social media.
Additionally, she noted that the fees levied by colleges in Cross River State are the most affordable when compared to other states, where tuition fees can be triple the amount charged locally.
The Provost dismissed the article as baseless and deceptive, suggesting that its purpose was to harm the college’s image. She warned that inaccuracies in the inquiry could result in legal repercussions for defamation and slander.
She noted, “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.”
