Abia: From Covid-19 Prevention Fee To Pandemic Support, Gov.Ikpeazu Gifts Students Of State Varsity N30, 000 Each

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed that the sum of N30,000 be deducted from school fees of Abia State University Uturu for all returning students.

The money is meant to be financial support for students to cushion the effect of covid-19 pandemic.

The management of university had earlier announced that all returning students should pay the sum N15,000 as COVID-19 prevention fee, but was later reversed by the governor who directed that the students should be given N30, 000 as pocket money instead.

The governor finally kept the promise today when he directed the university to deduct N30, 000 from the fees of the students.

In a Twitter post on Saturday, Ikpeazu stated: “I’ve directed the management of Abia State University, Uturu, to deduct the N30,000 pocket money for students of Abia origin from their school fees as widely requested by the students. We’ll continue to listen & do whatever is necessary to ensure our high flying students excel”.

The governor had earlier directed that the said payment be made in cash to the students.

But there were fears that the process of payment could be hijacked by politicians, and it was suggested the money should be deducted from school fees.

Some opposition leaders in the state, including the member representing Bende North constituency in the state assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, had advised the governor to jettison the idea of direct payment of N30,000 to students.

Students of the university, who addressed the press on the matter, also pleaded with the governor to reduce the said sum from their fees.