Students of the Ogun State College of Nursing Science, Ilaro, have accused the institution’s management of neglecting their welfare while subjecting them to a series of unofficial financial burdens that undermine their learning experience. Beyond tuition and statutory fees, the students allege they are routinely compelled to make monthly payments under various guises, with little accountability from school officials.
According to several Basic Nursing II students, payments ranging from ₦500 to ₦1,200 are collected monthly as so-called “class purses.” The money, they claim, is allegedly used to entertain lecturers during presentations and examinations. Students further alleged that they are forced to sponsor materials for course topics and presentations, effectively assuming the teaching role in place of their lecturers.
The concerns extend beyond finances. Students revealed that the institution’s hostels have been without electricity for more than five months, leaving them to contribute money for generator fuel while coping with the rising cost of living. They argue that the lack of basic amenities, coupled with the unexplained fees, reflects a deeper crisis in student welfare and institutional accountability.
In addition, students accuse some officials of favoritism and intimidation. They allege that attendance was manipulated to favor those who joined lecturers at a convocation ceremony in another institution, while others who could not attend were unfairly punished. Some also claim that students who questioned the fees or demanded accountability were victimized and threatened, creating an atmosphere of fear and silence.
When contacted, the Student Affairs Officer and Class Coordinator for Basic Nursing II, Mrs. Blessed Ayobola Ojumu, dismissed the allegations as false and unfair. She insisted that reporters should come to the school in person to verify claims directly with students rather than rely on anonymous accounts.
Meanwhile, the students are calling on the Ogun State government and relevant education authorities to intervene, insisting that the situation, if left unaddressed, threatens not only their academic performance but also the integrity of the nursing profession they are being trained to serve.
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