A growing number of graduates and students of Federal University Otuoke are crying out over the institution’s alleged refusal to refund school fees paid out of pocket, despite receiving payment from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
According to a petition addressed to the Bursar/Vice-Chancellor, the students claim they were forced to pay their school fees upfront due to delays in NELFUND’s disbursement. However, after submitting evidence of their prior payments, they have yet to receive a refund, sparking concerns that the university intends to withhold the funds.
The students argue that this decision would not only be unfair but also potentially illegal, as it could be seen as unjust enrichment. They claim that NELFUND’s payment was intended to cover their fees, not to enrich the university at their expense.
A Plea for Fairness and Compassion
The petitioners are appealing to the university’s leadership to reconsider their stance, citing the significant personal sacrifices they made to pursue their education. They also warn that the university’s reputation and commitment to justice and student welfare are at stake.
“We trust in your leadership to resolve this internally, preserving the bond between the university and its students,” the petition reads. “We ask for an official update on the steps being taken and a timeline for resolution.”
As the controversy unfolds, the students remain hopeful that the university will do the right thing and refund their money. The incident has sparked concerns about the university’s handling of student finances and its commitment to transparency and accountability.
In a related development, the current school fees schedule for Federal University Otuoke shows that fees range from ₦128,000 to ₦153,000 for new students, and ₦59,500 to ₦84,500 for returning students, depending on the faculty and department.
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