IDPs in Edo Face Uncertainty Over N116.3m Debt At Western Delta University
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
Sixty-three Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Uhorgua, Ovia Northeast local government area Edo State, may be not write their second semester exams at the Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State for indebtedness.
Collectively they owe various fees totalling N116. 3 million which the University authority is now demanding as a condition for them to write the examination and remain as undergraduates beyond the 2024/2025 session.
This is the content of a letter from the University titled “Re: ‘’Overdue Payment of School Fees for IDP Sponsored Students’’ and signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr Elvis Ofotokun to the Home for the Needy Foundation, which is responsible for the care of the IDPs in Edo State.
“We write to follow up on our previous correspondence regarding the outstanding debt incurred by your organisation for sponsored students in Western Delta University, Oghara.
”As you recall your team visited our institution twice to discuss payment modalities as we were assured of regular payment to settle indebtedness.
”Unfortunately, our records indicate that only N7.5 million has been paid since March 2024. The total outstanding amount for the 2024/2025 academic session now stands at N116, 323, 000.
”This significant debt poses a substantial challenge to the university operations. In light of the above, management has decided to take drastic action to recover the debt,’’ it said.
“Consequently, all your sponsored students will not be permitted to sit for the upcoming first semester examinations until this debt is settled,’’ the institution said.
Contacted Solomon Folorunsho, Coordinator of the IDP camp said presently about 60 of the IDPs were in 400 and 500 level in the institution, adding that the years they have already spent should not be allowed to be a waste.
”I am appealing to kind hearted Nigerians whether in the country or outside the country as well as corporate organizations with educational foundations like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, TY Danjuma foundation among others to come to our aid.
”We cannot allow them to drop by the way now that they are almost at the goalpost, please help the camp to help.
”We cannot do it alone, please help us. This education funding challenge is one among many other challenges we are facing in the camp,” the coordinator appealed
