Students of the College of Health Technology, Calabar, are raising alarm over what they describe as widespread extortion, illegal levies, and a growing culture of “sorting” – even as the Cross River State government vows to clamp down on the shameful practice.
Despite a recent directive from the state’s Ministry of Health warning against all forms of financial exploitation in health institutions, students say the illegal collections have not only continued but worsened.
Students Pay N15,000 Per Course to Avoid Failure
Trumpet investigations reveal that students, especially those writing ongoing National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) exams, are allegedly being forced to pay between N10,000 and N15,000 per course to certain lecturers. The payments, students claim, are demanded as unofficial “sorting fees” to pass their courses or risk failing.
“We’re being exploited,” said one student who requested anonymity for fear of victimization. “They demand N15,000 per person for a course. In a class of over 50 students, that adds up to over N750,000 going to one individual outside of salary, school fees, and official charges.”
Compulsory Handouts, Repeated Payments
Beyond sorting, students also allege they are compelled to re-purchase handouts and textbooks previously bought in earlier semesters, authored by the same lecturers. Refusal, they say, often results in denial of entry into exam halls.
Students Cry for Help, Authorities Deny Knowledge
Despite multiple complaints to department heads and school management, students say their concerns have fallen on deaf ears.
“We’ve tried reporting,” said another student, “but nothing changes. Some lecturers are emboldened enough to enter classes and announce the fees out loud.”
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In response to the allegations, an official from the provost’s office, Dr. John, denied institutional involvement. “The school does not authorize any form of illegal collection,” he told The Trumpet. “We have consistently cautioned against extortion.”
Govt Vows Action, Promises Refunds
Just weeks ago, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, slammed illegal levies at the Ogoja College of Nursing Sciences, following a viral video that exposed the illicit practice. The video sparked national outrage, forcing the Commissioner to issue a public directive banning all unauthorized payments across state-owned health institutions.
In his words, “It is a betrayal of trust and a violation of our ethical standards. All illegal payments must be refunded immediately, and perpetrators will be held accountable.”
A full panel of inquiry has been launched to investigate the depth of the extortion scandal across all state health colleges, including Calabar.
As pressure mounts and students grow more vocal, many are watching to see if the government will follow through on its promise to clean up the rot in Cross River’s health education sector.
Meanwhile, affected students are calling on Governor Bassey Otu and anti-corruption agencies to intervene urgently.
