Pharmacy Technician students at Al-Asas College of Health Technology in Minna, Niger State, have raised concerns over what they describe as extortionate fees. The students claim they were charged N304,000 for their national examinations, a figure significantly higher than the official rates.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, students detailed their payments, which included N70,000 for indexing, N180,000 for the national exams, and N30,000 labeled as conduct fees, supposedly covering accommodation. On top of this, each student was asked to pay N24,000 for transportation to Gombe State, where the examinations are being held.
The students departed for Gombe on Sunday, August 31, and are scheduled to return on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Many are upset about the steep fees, pointing out that they far exceed the national body’s official guidelines.
According to information from the Pharmacy Technician national body’s help desk, the correct fees should be N20,000 for indexing and N3,500 for the national exams. A source familiar with the process told SaharaReporters that students should be paying around N35,000 in total— a stark contrast to the N304,000 charged by the college.
One student confirmed to SaharaReporters that the conduct fees were explained as part of the accommodation costs, yet the overall sum remains a significant issue for them.
Meanwhile, students studying Community Health at the same college have been charged much lower fees. These students were billed N20,000 for a license fee, N3,000 for a certificate, N70,000 for indexing, and N70,000 for their national exams, totaling N163,000. Their exams are being conducted in Minna, eliminating the need for additional transportation and accommodation expenses.
This large discrepancy between the official fees and what is being charged has led to concerns about financial transparency within the institution. Many students are demanding the school administration clarify the reasons behind these inflated costs.
As the exams are already underway, students are feeling the pressure of this financial burden while they await a possible resolution from the school.
This situation underscores a larger issue regarding the financial challenges students in higher education face, especially in the health sector.
When SaharaReporters reached out to the school director, Muhammaddeen Muhammad, he claimed to be receiving treatment at a hospital but promised to follow up on the issue. However, students have since reported that Mr. Muhammad is in Gombe, overseeing the exams, and is no longer in the hospital.
Attempts to contact the school director again were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages sent to his phone.
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