Tensions rose in Umuahia on Tuesday as aggrieved indigenes of Ihie Ndume community stormed the Abia State House of Assembly to protest what they described as “outrageous” school fees at Government College Umuahia (GCU), demanding urgent government intervention.
The protesters, led by Nathaniel Nwoko, President of the Abia State chapter of the Common Man Assembly, arrived at the Assembly complex before the day’s plenary session, calling for a drastic reduction in fees which they say have priced out children from low-income homes.
The group accused the current managers of GCU—Fisher Education Development Trust (FEDT)—of running the institution like a private school, despite its public heritage. They claimed that school fees have been raised to over ₦1 million per session, thereby denying access to quality education for indigent but intelligent students.
“This is a public institution, not a private business,” Nwoko stated. “We are demanding that the school fees be reviewed downward, and that the state government, under Governor Alex Otti, takes a seat at the table of its management.”
The protesters also appealed to Governor Otti to safeguard the public status of Government College Umuahia and ensure the school remains accessible to students regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Responding to the protest, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, assured the community that the matter is already receiving attention from the legislative and executive arms of government.
“Governor Otti is aware and concerned. We are committed to ensuring a resolution that protects the interest of all Abians,” Kalu stated.
Deputy Speaker Augustine Okezie, who represents Umuahia East—the constituency housing GCU—urged his constituents to remain calm and allow due process. He pledged the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring fairness and equity in the management of the institution.
The protest follows a recent petition submitted to the House by Chukwudi Onwudinanti, an indigene of Ubani-Emede Ibeku, who accused FEDT of unilaterally increasing the school fees and running GCU as a private enterprise.
The Assembly has promised a thorough review of the petition and related concerns to determine the appropriate course of action.
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