Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Students of the Department of Theatre and Media Arts at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, have raised concerns over alleged charges being demanded from students for the supervision of their SIWES/IT training. A message circulating in a students’ WhatsApp group shows alleged supervision fees ranging from ₦15,500 for students in Ekpoma to ₦65,500 for those in Ondo, with different amounts listed for Benin, Delta, Lagos and Abuja.
The message reportedly directs students to make payment into a UBA account and states that the payment is for their IT supervision. The development has sparked concerns among students, with questions being raised over the approval and justification for the charges. Students and members of the public are therefore calling on AAU Management to urgently investigate the matter, clarify whether the charges were officially approved, and take appropriate action if the payments are found to be unauthorized. The university authorities are also urged to provide transparency on all SIWES-related charges to prevent students from being subjected to alleged financial exploitation.
The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a mandatory programme for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience . Under the scheme, students are placed in organizations related to their field of study for a specified period. However, the administration of the programme has faced challenges over the years, including delays in allowance payments, supervision issues, and allegations of exploitation .
In 2025, student leaders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and other bodies, held a press conference to address longstanding grievances regarding SIWES, including unpaid allowances since 2018 . Following sustained engagement, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) initiated reforms, including the prompt payment of allowances, introduction of an e-logbook system to improve transparency, and elimination of fraudulent practices . The ITF also introduced student representation in SIWES committees and cancelled charges for logbooks . Despite these reforms, the alleged supervision fees at AAU suggest that students continue to face additional financial burdens that may be outside the approved framework.
The discrepancy between the charges demanded from students—ranging from ₦15,500 to ₦65,500—has also raised eyebrows. According to the screenshot of the WhatsApp message, students in Ekpoma are required to pay ₦15,500, while those in Ondo are charged ₦65,500. Other locations listed include Benin (₦20,000), Delta (₦25,000), Lagos (₦35,000), and Abuja (₦55,000). The lack of clear justification for the charges and the absence of official communication from the university management have deepened students' concerns.
A call for accountability and transparency has been a recurring theme in student advocacy across Nigerian universities. The AAU students' complaint follows a similar pattern: students being asked to pay fees that are not clearly approved by their institutions. The university management has not yet publicly addressed the allegations, but the students are calling for urgent intervention to prevent exploitation.
For the students of Ambrose Alli University, the alleged supervision charges represent a significant financial burden at a time when many are already struggling with tuition fees, accommodation, and other academic expenses. The call for transparency is not just about money; it is about the integrity of the educational system and the protection of students' rights. As the matter unfolds, AAU students and the public await a response from the university authorities.
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