MAPOLY Students Union Declare Sit-at-Home Over School Fees Hike, Suspend Lectures

By Aliyu Oyewole 

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Students’ Union Government has directed all students of the institution to observe a peaceful sit-at-home on Monday in protest against the recent increase in school fees.

The directive was announced in a statement issued on Sunday following what the union described as unsuccessful engagements with the management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic over the reviewed fee structure.

The statement, jointly signed by Students’ Union President Afolabi Temitope, Acting Speaker Olorode Kehinde, General Secretary Ekundayo Gbenga, and Public Relations Officer Oloyede Ganiyu, stated that the union had held several rounds of consultations with the institution’s management after the revised fees appeared on the students’ portal.

According to the union, it consistently maintained that students’ welfare and academic interests should remain the top priority in decisions affecting their education.

The union lamented that despite sustained dialogue, the concerns raised by students had not been addressed, noting that the country’s current economic challenges have made it increasingly difficult for many parents and students to cope with additional financial obligations.

“As the constitutionally recognised voice of students, we cannot ignore their concerns. We remain committed to responsible leadership, constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy,” the statement said.

Consequently, the union directed all students to stay away from lectures and other academic activities on Monday as a peaceful demonstration against the fee increase.

It stressed that the protest was intended solely as a peaceful expression of dissatisfaction and should not be interpreted as an invitation to violence, destruction of property, intimidation, or any action capable of disrupting the peace and reputation of the institution.

The union also urged students to maintain law and order, avoid confrontations with staff members, security personnel and fellow students, and rely only on information released through official Students’ Union channels.

In addition, shuttle operators, commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport service providers within the polytechnic community were appealed to suspend operations around the campus in solidarity with the protest.

While reaffirming its commitment to continued dialogue with the institution’s management, the Students’ Union said the sit-at-home should not be seen 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 optimism that the peaceful action would encourage the management to reconsider the fee increase while pledging to continue pursuing constructive engagement in the interest of students.