PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release / 09 October, 2025
CSO, SOAI Faults UNN/UNEC’s ₦30,000 Development Fee and Denial of Students’ Exam Access
...calls for reversal and publication of budget breakdown justifying the levy.
“Education is a right, not a privilege.” Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) expresses deep concern over the imposition of a ₦30,000 developmental fee at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), and the subsequent denial of exam access to students who could not pay within three weeks’ notice.
The organization condemns this act as unjust, exploitative, and contrary to the right to education enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights conventions. SOAI urges the Federal Ministry of Education and oversight agencies to intervene, emphasizing that education should never be used as an economic weapon against struggling students.
- Immediate Reversal: Cancel the ₦30,000 levy and refund affected students.
- Access to Exams: Reinstate all students barred from examinations.
- Transparency: Publish a detailed budget breakdown justifying the proposed levy.
- Accountability: The Vice Chancellor should issue a public apology and reaffirm student rights.
SOAI reiterates that education must remain accessible, equitable, and free from financial discrimination. The organization calls on the Federal Government, National Human Rights Commission, and student bodies to unite in protecting this fundamental right.
Issued by:
Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) and other concerned CSOs on Educational Reforms
info@speakoutafricainitiave.org
#EducationJustice #EducationIsARight #OurStudentOurFuture #PublishBudgetBreakdown #Education4ALL #UNNStopExtortion