In a revealing Twitter thread, a lady identified as Chief Ene opened up about her harrowing experience in a private university in Nigeria.
The thread has since gone viral, sparking heated discussions about the realities of private university life and the pressures faced by students.
Her candid account paints a picture of an environment where strict rules and relentless expectations pushed her to make the difficult decision to drop out.
The conversation began when another user, Martins, tweeted: "Private uni students complaining that school is stressful is crazy.
" Ene responded by detailing the rules and conditions she endured while attending a private university, leaving many readers shocked and empathetic.
According to Ene, one of the first challenges was the ban on mobile phones.
For students accustomed to staying connected with their families and friends, this rule created a sense of isolation.
She also mentioned that female students were not allowed to make their hair below shoulder length, a rule that felt unnecessary and invasive.
The list of restrictions didn’t end there.
Students were prohibited from wearing slippers before 4 pm, a seemingly trivial rule that underscored the rigid environment.
Additionally, cooking in the hostel was forbidden, forcing students to buy three meals daily from the school cafeteria, which added financial strain.
One of the most controversial rules, according to Ene, was the requirement to attend chapel services.
Failure to attend could result in suspension, a punishment that many felt was excessive.
Even more troubling was her claim that victims of abuse could face suspension, a policy that sparked outrage online for its insensitivity.
Ene also highlighted the strict exit policies of the school.
Once students arrived on campus, they were essentially locked in unless they obtained an exeat, a leave permit that required parental confirmation.
The level of control extended to academics as well, with departments having the authority to drop students without warning.
Ene recounted an instance where students in their final year were abruptly informed that they would have to restart in another department due to poor results.
This not only wasted years of hard work but also meant paying fresh school fees.
Entrepreneurial students also faced challenges, as side hustles and selling items on campus were prohibited.
This stifled creativity and limited opportunities for students to earn extra income.
The curfew rules were equally strict, requiring all students to be back in their hostels by 9 pm.
Those caught outside risked disciplinary actions.
Ene shared that security personnel would exploit students, particularly if they were found in mixed-gender groups.
Such encounters often ended with the students being extorted or threatened with expulsion.
The issue of accommodation added another layer of frustration.
Ene revealed that after paying 1.8 million naira in school fees, students were required to pay an additional 150,000 naira for hostel accommodation, yet there was no guarantee of getting a room.
Students who managed to secure accommodation still faced challenges, as potters would seize skirts deemed too short despite selling them to the students themselves.
Academically, the pressure was unrelenting.
Ene described how lecturers assigned excessive workloads, operating under the assumption that students had no other commitments.
This compounded the stress and left little room for rest or personal time.
Ultimately, the cumulative weight of these rules and pressures led Ene to drop out.
Her story has resonated with many, as the tweet thread has garnered thousands of likes, comments, and retweets.
Some readers expressed disbelief at the severity of the conditions, while others shared similar experiences from their time in private universities.
One commenter wrote, “This is insane.
How can a school claim to educate while stripping students of their basic freedoms?”
Another added, “This thread brings back so many memories.
Private universities need to do better.”
However, not everyone was sympathetic.
Some users argued that students should have known what they were signing up for when choosing a private university.
A critic remarked, “These rules are in place for a reason.
Discipline is important, and if you can’t handle it, maybe you shouldn’t enroll.”
The discussion has reignited debates about the role of private universities in Nigeria and whether their strict policies are justified.
While some defend these institutions as necessary for providing structure and maintaining high academic standards, others see them as overly controlling environments that prioritize profit over student welfare.
Ene’s story also sheds light on the broader issue of accessibility and inclusivity in Nigerian education.
With exorbitant fees and rigid rules, private universities often alienate students from diverse backgrounds, leaving many to wonder whether such institutions truly serve the purpose of education.
The viral thread has prompted calls for reforms, with many urging private universities to adopt more student-friendly policies.
Critics argue that a balance must be struck between maintaining discipline and fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Ene’s courage in sharing her story has sparked an important conversation, one that may lead to greater awareness and, hopefully, meaningful change in the Nigerian education system.
As her tweet continues to make waves, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by students in private universities and the urgent need for a more compassionate approach to education.
In the words of one commenter, “Education should empower, not break students.
It’s time for a change.”
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