The Delta Ministry of Health has initiated the repayment of unauthorized fees, totaling millions of Naira, charged to 162 students at the state-owned Colleges of Nursing in Asaba and Sapele. Speaking during the refund process at the State College of Nursing Asaba on Wednesday, April 24, Delta Health Commissioner Dr. Joseph Onojaeme stated, "His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has graciously approved the immediate refund of all unauthorized levies charged to students of the State Colleges of Nursing Asaba and Sapele respectively."
Onojaeme explained that the governor's decision was driven by the concern that parents and students should not be financially burdened, especially during the current economic difficulties due to inflation. He revealed that after investigating student complaints, it was discovered that certain fees, among others, were not authorized. Consequently, Governor Oborevwori ordered the immediate cessation of these charges and the prompt refund to affected students, condemning the practice and insisting that such unauthorized levies must be refunded without delay.
The commissioner disclosed that a total of 162 students were affected, with 152 from the College of Nursing Asaba, including Years 1, 2, 3, and PTS class, and 10 students from the College of Nursing Sapele. Oghenekevwe Asakpa, the President of the Student Union Government at the College of Nursing Asaba, along with the union's executive members, expressed gratitude to the Governor Oborevwori-led administration for addressing their complaints regarding the illegal levies and approving their discontinuation. Asakpa commended the efforts of the health commissioner, the Director of Nursing Services in the Ministry, and others who contributed to stopping the illegal levies and refunding the money to all affected students.
