Ogun Nursing Students Allege Threats, Intimidation Over SaharaReporters Exposé On Illegal Fees; DSS Misled By Officials

Students of the Ogun State College of Nursing Science, Ilaro, have expressed concerns over alleged threats and intimidation from the institution’s leadership following a SaharaReporters exposé detailing claims of exploitation and illegal levies imposed on them.

According to multiple sources within the school, officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) visited the campus on Tuesday to investigate the allegations.

However, staff members allegedly told the DSS that the report was fabricated and sponsored by “enemies of the institution” to tarnish its image.

One source revealed that school authorities initially lied to students, claiming the visitors were representatives of the Ministry of Health before disclosing they were DSS operatives.

The Students Affairs Officer, Blessed Ayobola Ojumu, was accused explicitly of intimidating students after the report surfaced.

A top source disclosed that management warned students not to discuss the issue with their parents or outsiders, claiming that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) could shut down the school, jeopardizing their graduation.

Another source told SaharaReporters that this was a calculated attempt to instill fear and suppress further evidence of exploitation.

The source noted that the students have been crying since Tuesday because of the threats.

Meanwhile, the allegations of illegal fees and neglect of students’ welfare have not been publicly addressed by the institution’s management.

One of the sources said, “DSS officials were in the school yesterday to make enquiries, the staff of the college lied to the students initially that they were from the Ministry of Health.

“They told the DSS officials that the story from SaharaReporters was a lie and that it was sponsored by perceived enemies of the workers.”

Another source explained, “The Students’ Affairs Officer has been threatening students.

“This morning, I received a message that they asked the students not to speak about it to their parents or anyone, claiming that NMCN might lock up the school and they won’t be able to graduate, and I see this as a tactic to imbibe fear in them in order to avoid further evidence being released.”

“They claimed it was sponsored to ruin the institution’s image, you can imagine that? The students have been crying since yesterday due to several threats,” the source added.

Meanwhile, a screenshot of a WhatsApp group conversation obtained by SaharaReporters shows the Students’ Affairs Officer, Blessed Ayobola Ojumu, asking threatening questions to students while acknowledging that she received a gift funded by money the students were instructed to contribute.

In the screenshot, the class treasurer, nicknamed CBN (real name: Osunowo Abimbola), was giving an update on how the students’ money was spent on a gift for Mrs. Ojumu.

The class treasurer said, “13000 for directors ankara, the fancy bag 1000, For Mrs Ojumu we removed 35k from class purse…breakdown as follows,13000 for cake (Dami made it), 12000 for perfume, 10000 for card, cookies, chocolate, wine and others.”

Mr Ojumu said, “That’s huge and I don’t think I deserve it. The wine, perfume and the card you gave me are still here. Is the bag part of it Simi? I will ask if she hasn’t sewed it, My son has eaten the cookies and chocolate.”

“In conclusion:1. Let’s put a stop to the class purse. 2. Your reason for negotiation is not acceptable by me because the tuition fee may be reviewed later. 3. Don’t ever give me any gift from the class purse,” she also said.

Mr. Ojumu, while addressing the students about the class purse fee, questioned the students for not responding to her question on whether they wanted a reduction in the fee.

She said, “Hello everyone. It’s discussion time and I want us to have a one on one discussion May I know why you want a reduction in the class purse fee.?

“12 of you had read this and none of you could respond. It means it’s a false allegation. I will wait for the majority before we make a final decision.”

SaharaReporters previously reported that students of the school had raised allegations of exploitation and extortion against the institution’s leadership, accusing officials of imposing illegal fees and neglecting basic welfare needs.

According to multiple students who spoke with SaharaReporters, Ojumu, alongside other officials, allegedly demand monthly payments ranging from ₦500 to ₦1,200 under the guise of “class purses.”

The fees, students said, are purportedly used to “entertain lecturers” during presentations and Practical OSCE exams—a justification many students find deeply troubling.

“Why should we pay for the welfare of lecturers in a government-owned institution when we already pay tuition fees?” one student questioned, expressing frustration at the unexplained financial demands.

Overburdened with Responsibilities

Beyond the fees, students allege that they are routinely tasked with outsourcing materials for nearly all course topics, which they must then present in class.

While presented as a learning exercise, students argue that the practice has become a means for lecturers to avoid teaching responsibilities, leaving learners overburdened and under-supported.

Adding to the grievances, students revealed that hostels have lacked electricity for over five months. Rather than addressing the power supply issue, the institution allegedly expects students to contribute money for generator fuel, further compounding the financial strain on learners already struggling to keep up with rising costs.