Tension has erupted at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) as students openly challenged school authorities over a compulsory ₦30,000 “developmental fee” imposed on them.
The protest, which began earlier in the week, saw several students particularly from the Faculty of Medical Sciences voicing their frustrations after some were reportedly barred from writing exams for failing to pay the fee.
In a viral video circulating online, students can be heard confronting university officials, describing the payment as “daylight extortion.” They argued that they had already paid similar charges during their regular school fee payments and questioned the rationale behind the additional levy.
One student was heard asking pointedly:
“Is it the students’ duty to develop the university?”
The protesters lamented that the institution’s decision came at a time when most families are struggling financially due to the harsh economic climate in the country. Many called on the university management to reconsider the fee, citing that it adds unnecessary hardship to parents and guardians already battling inflation and rising costs of living.
