In a press statement released today by the Students’ Union of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), students expressed their discontent with several pressing issues, including a significant increase in acceptance fees, a shortage of lecturers, and delays in releasing results and mobilizing graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The statement, signed by the Students’ Union Executive, Students’ Representative Council, and all Departmental and Association Presidents, began by emphasizing the importance of greetings as a form of courtesy and extended warm regards from the iconic Aluta rock of MAPOLY.
The core of the students’ concerns:
1. Hike in Acceptance Fee:
The students voiced their strong opposition to the recent increase in acceptance fees, stating that the management added an extra N15,000 to the usual N35,500 fee for fresh students. This move was described as “wickedness” and “lack of empathy” towards the students, considering the challenging economic situation in the country. The Students’ Union called on the management to reverse this decision and return the acceptance fee to its previous rate of N35,500.
2. Shortage of Lecturers:
MAPOLY, known as a top educational institution in Nigeria, has faced a shortage of lecturers, a situation the students deemed “ridiculous.” They demanded a swift resolution to this issue by recruiting qualified and competent individuals to fill these critical positions. The availability of capable lecturers is essential for maintaining the institution’s academic standards.
3. Delay in Release of Results and Mobilization for NYSC:
Another major concern raised by the students was the prolonged delay in releasing results and mobilizing graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The statement highlighted that students who graduated over a year ago have not been mobilized for NYSC, and even the Director of Students’ Affairs stated that returning to MAPOLY was not mandatory for them. The students called for urgent attention to address this issue.
The press statement concluded by issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. The students demanded immediate action to address the highlighted matters, particularly the reversal of the acceptance fee to its previous rate. They emphasized that failure to resolve these concerns within the stipulated timeframe would result in “adequate confrontations.”
This ultimatum sets the stage for potential future actions as the students await the response from the institution’s management, signaling their determination to stand up for their rights and the integrity of their academic institution. Ogunwatch will continue to follow this developing story closely.
