The administration of the College of Nursing Science in Itigidi, Cross River State, has firmly rejected allegations of financial extortion that have recently surfaced.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Provost Ruth Ekong, the institution expressed concern over the exaggerated claims regarding fees purportedly charged to students and communicated to their parents.
Ekong clarified that nursing education is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), emphasizing that fees related to essential activities such as indexing and final qualifying examinations are paid directly to the NMCN, rather than being collected by the college itself.
The Provost highlighted that the tuition fees at the College of Nursing Science in Cross River State are among the lowest in Nigeria, contrasting them with other states where students may pay up to three times more.
Specifically, she noted that fees range from ₦175,000 to ₦245,000 depending on the origin of the students, and these rates are significantly lower than the ₦500,000 to ₦700,000 charged in other regions.
In her statement, Ekong characterized the allegations as baseless and damaging to the college's reputation. She warned that any further dissemination of false information could result in legal action for libel and slander.
She elaborated on the financial responsibilities associated with clinical training, explaining that students must gain practical experience across various health facilities in locations such as Ikom and Calabar. These facilities require payments for accommodation and teaching materials, which are not included in the tuition fees but are necessary for fulfilling mandatory clinical requirements set by the NMCN.
