The Post Graduate Diploma 2023/2024 full-time students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) have expressed their displeasure over the project fee demanded by the school. The fee, amounting to ₦15,900, is to be paid through the school portal and has sparked significant complaints among the students.
Several students have voiced their concerns, stating that the fee is unnecessary and amounts to extortion. They argued that the tuition they have already paid should cover all their activities, including the project.
Damilola, one of the students, demanded for transparency from the management of the institution.
She said: “Honestly, I’m not impressed about this. There’s a need for a breakdown of what the money is meant for. You can’t just tell me to pay ₦15,900 for a project. Are they going to print it out for me?”
Another student, Grace, described the amount as unreasonable. Grace said: “The issue of NIJ requesting students to pay a project fee is a no. It’s unacceptable. We have so much on our plate, and the school has imposed many levies and fines. Not to mention that we paid over ₦200,000 for school fees, aside from acceptance fees and other dues. Paying for a project is preposterous and contrary to common sense.”
Grace further expressed her frustration, comparing the school’s actions to the government’s indirect exploitation of citizens. She suggested that if there is enough support from other students, she would call for a peaceful protest against the fee.
Many students also highlighted financial difficulties, as they are responsible for their tuition fees and have other financial obligations.
Michael Adeshina, a PGD student, also criticized the fee, saying it contradicts the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness taught at the school. He believes the fee undermines the intelligence of PGD students and the institution’s value.
“I firmly believe that the NiJ management’s demand for a N15,000 project fee is unjustified and lacks transparency. This approach contradicts the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness that are taught in the school. It’s ironic that the institution fails to practice what it preaches. I think the project fee is a disparagement to the intelligence of PGD students and undermines the value of the institution,” Michael averred.
Ifeoluwa Babatunde also questioned the purpose of the fee, emphasizing the need for a clear explanation. She pointed out that students are already handling the spiral binding of their projects themselves, so additional costs are unjustified.
Conversely, less than 001% of the students do not see an issue with the payment as many just want to be done with the school and move on to other life’s pursuits. Students like Adewumi Gbadebo and Folake Olatunji see no issue with the payment.
Overall, the students are calling for the total scrapping off of the project fees as it is both illegal and unethical, putting a dent on the stature of NIJ.
Totally ridiculous! A friend of mine in HND 2 FT, complained about this same thing. The management should explain why that payment should be made. You don’t task people unnecessarily. Money isn’t easy to come by.