The Provost of the Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences Itigidi, Mrs Ruth Ita Ebong, has reacted to the allegations of extortion bothering the school.
The school has been on the news and social media recently over allegations bothering on extortion from the management, of which it was alleged, were made by the parents.
In a statement on Monday, Mrs Ebong said there was never a time the College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, has extorted monies from the students.
“Over the years, the College Management has observed with dismay the high level of doubling thereby falsifying amounts of money validly requested of them [students] to their parents. This has often been known when curious parents take bold steps to make enquiry from the College Management.
“The College, on its part, would summon such students, and they will plead guilty and ask for pardon since, according to the students, that is the only means of getting extra money from their parents to solve their needs and maintain their upkeep,” Ebong said.
She urged reporters and editors to balance their reports before taking to the press, adding that, “Nursing Education is regulated by Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria; the activities mentioned such as indexing, final qualifying examination, and other NMCN activities are charged and paid directly into NMCN coffers though there is so much falsification of figures in your write-up.
“Payment for Nursing Council final qualifying examination registration, which you raised here at N150,000, was a request of N100,000 following the portal for registration, which was opened on 18th September to close by 4th October 2024.”
Continuing, the Provost said, “The students were informed over six months ago when the College commenced her preparation for the November 2024 FQE.
“From what the Nursing Council gave which is N58,160.75 using last year’s experience and whereas this examination is written at Calabar with about 8 Council Examiners to be accommodated, fed and catered for by the College, we, therefore, added about N42,000 because the students themselves are to be accommodated, at least N30,000 will be charged by the centres for both written and practical in UNICAL and College of Nursing, Calabar respectively per student. Vehicles fuelled to/from Calabar.
“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 an 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.”
Ebong further stated that” Cross River State Colleges of Nursing Sciences 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 (indigenes and non-indigens respectively).
“In the light of the above, we wish to make a disclaimer to your publication [sic] as being false, unfounded and intended to be used to tarnish the image of the College we have built over the years. Be properly guided in your investigative journalism to avoid litigation for libel and slander.”
Earlier, Comr. Josephine Bassey, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Cross River State Chapter, told CONVERSEER that oftentimes, students inflate charges to get pocket money.
“As Chairman of NANNM in Cross River State, I used to take time to visit these schools. I’ve heard of these reports but it will surprise you to know that the amount the students are asked to pay is different from what they tell their parents. They often inflate the amounts to get pocket money.
“I know some of the Provosts of these schools and I can tell you that they have integrity. That being said, NANNM canvases on professionalism and anyone found culpable will face the law,” Bassey said.