PROF. KATE AZUKA OMENUGHA HOLDS INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH STUDENTS, CLARIFIES ICT MANDATORY FEE

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, engaged students in an interactive session aimed at strengthening communication, building trust, and encouraging students to voice concerns, especially on matters where they feel affected.

This engagement comes in the wake of recent online reactions, where some students took to various social media platforms to criticize the University’s leadership, raising allegations of financial exploitation and expressing their grievances in strong terms.

Providing clarity on the issue, Prof. Omenugha explained that prior to the introduction of the ICT fee as a compulsory charge, extensive consultations were held with student representatives at all levels, ranging from Course Representatives to Departmental and Faculty Presidents, as well as other elected officials up to the Students’ Union Government (SUG). She noted that the fee structure was collectively discussed, and it was, in fact, student leaders who agreed on the sum of Fifteen Thousand Naira (₦15,000), even as some had initially proposed a higher amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Naira (₦25,000). She therefore questioned the apparent communication gap between these leaders and the students they represent, particularly as the decision dates back to October of the previous year.

She further clarified that the ₦15,000 charge is not solely for an app, but rather an ICT development fee designed to modernize the University’s digital infrastructure. As part of this initiative, The University is currently archiving over 55,000 academic transcripts, enabling graduates to process and access their records seamlessly from anywhere in the world, thereby eliminating delays and the need for physical presence within the campus.

This move, she noted, was informed by recurring complaints from students and alumni regarding difficulties in obtaining transcripts, an issue widely discussed across social and University platforms.

The Vice Chancellor also revealed that an internal organizational review exposed the University’s continued reliance on largely analogue systems, which have contributed to challenges such as misplaced documents and administrative inefficiencies. Transitioning to a digital framework, she emphasized, is no longer optional in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Highlighting additional benefits, she explained that the ICT initiative also supports the introduction of online learning platforms, ensuring academic continuity in situations such as insecurity or national emergencies. Drawing from her experience as a former Commissioner for Education, she recalled implementing similar measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, guided by the principle that while many things can pause, education must continue.

She added that the University has already undertaken digital literacy training for staff, with plans underway for further capacity-building programmes. In addition, a collaboration with Digital Hands has been established to equip students with practical digital skills, including coding and other relevant competencies.

Prof. Omenugha urged students to refrain from actions that could tarnish the image of the University, assuring them that exploitation of any form would not be tolerated under her leadership. She reaffirmed her commitment to serving both as an administrator and a guardian of students’ welfare.

Responding to concerns about infrastructure, particularly the need for departmental buildings, she acknowledged the challenge and described it as a significant issue facing the institution. However, she assured students of Management’s commitment to gradual improvement, citing the recent development of a large-capacity Medical Laboratory building achieved through a collaborative effort between the University and the State Government as evidence of ongoing progress.

©️ COOUNewS, 2026.