Moshood Abiola Polytechnic students in Ogun state are staging a peaceful sit-at-home protest today over a recent hike in school fees.
The Students' Union Government has directed all students to remain at home and refrain from attending lectures or participating in any academic activities. In a statement signed by the Students' Union President, Afolabi Temitope, the union said the directive followed unsuccessful engagements with the management over the reviewed fees.
According to the statement, the union held a series of consultations with the management since the revised fees appeared on the students' portal.
"Despite our sustained efforts and several rounds of dialogue, the concerns of students remain unresolved," the statement read.
The union added that as the constitutionally recognised voice of students, it could not ignore their concerns while remaining committed to responsible leadership, constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy.
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The union stressed that the action was a peaceful expression of students' concerns and not an invitation to violence, destruction of property, intimidation or any act capable of disrupting the peace and reputation of the institution.
It also advised students to maintain peace, order and discipline, avoid confrontation with members of staff, security personnel and fellow students, and rely only on information officially released by the Students' Union Government.
The union further appealed to shuttle operators, commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport service providers within the polytechnic community to suspend operations within and around the campus in solidarity with the protest.
The Students' Union Government reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with the institution's management, saying the protest should not be interpreted as the end of negotiations.
"This directive does not signify the end of engagement with the Management. Rather, it is a demonstration that while dialogue continues, the collective concerns of MAPOLY students cannot be overlooked," the statement added.
The union expressed hope that the peaceful action would encourage the authorities to reconsider the fee increase in the interest of students while pledging to continue pursuing constructive engagement with the management.
### Key Facts • Moshood Abiola Polytechnic students are staging a peaceful sit-at-home protest over a recent hike in school fees. • The Students' Union Government has directed all students to remain at home. • The union has held several rounds of dialogue with the management over the reviewed fees. • The Students' Union Government has appealed to shuttle operators and other transport service providers to suspend operations within and around the campus. • The protest is a call for reconsideration by the institution's management. • The union has pledged to continue pursuing constructive engagement with the management.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Students' Union Government expressed hope that the peaceful action would encourage the authorities to reconsider the fee increase in the interest of students.
As a student leader, I want to assure Nigerians that we are committed to peaceful and constructive engagement with the management to find a lasting solution to this issue.
The Students' Union Government has the interest of students at heart and we will continue to advocate for their welfare and well-being.