Students at Damietta University are facing additional financial burdens, with some paying up to 6,750 Egyptian pounds for course materials and books. According to complaints submitted to the Egyptian Council of Ministers by parents of students, first-year students in the Faculty of Sports Sciences pay 250 pounds per course, with 14 courses in the first semester and 13 in the second. This has sparked concerns about the legitimacy of these charges and the lack of transparency in their collection.
The complaints also reveal that second-year students in the same faculty pay 6,500 pounds for course materials, excluding college fees. With multiple faculties and classes, parents are demanding an official explanation from the university's president on the basis for these charges, how they are collected, and whether they are standardized across the university. The issue has raised questions about the financial management of the university and its impact on students and their families.
In the Faculty of Sports Sciences, third-year students are reportedly paying 2,500 pounds, excluding college fees. With at least 500 students, this amounts to over 1.25 million pounds. Students and parents are calling for a clear explanation of these charges and their utilization. The issue is not limited to the Faculty of Sports Sciences, as parents and students demand transparency and accountability across all faculties of Damietta University.
The situation has drawn attention to the role of regulatory bodies within the university and relevant authorities. Questions have been raised about whether these charges are subject to financial review and if students receive receipts detailing their payments and how they are utilized. The goal is not to level accusations but to obtain documented answers that clarify the basis for these charges and the management of funds.
An internal announcement at the Faculty of Sports Sciences obtained by a local news outlet instructs students to pay the specified amounts via Vodafone Cash. However, some students reported receiving books only a day before exams, sparking concerns about the legality of these charges and the university's consideration for students' economic backgrounds.
As the issue continues to unfold, students, parents, and regulatory bodies are seeking clarity on the university's financial practices. The emphasis is on ensuring that all collected funds have a clear basis, are subject to review, and that students and their families are reassured about the transparent management of their payments.
The Damietta University administration faces mounting pressure to address these concerns, provide detailed explanations of the charges, and demonstrate accountability in the management of funds collected from students. The situation highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight in Egyptian universities to prevent similar issues in the future.
Key points
- University students and parents demand transparency on additional fees for course materials and books.
- Damietta University's financial practices face scrutiny amid concerns over legitimacy and accountability.
- Regulatory bodies are called upon to review and oversee the university's collection and management of student fees.
