The Students’ Union Government of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, has directed students to embark on a peaceful sit-at-home protest in response to the recent increase in school fees.
The directive, announced in a statement signed by Students’ Union President, Afolabi Temitope, alongside Acting Speaker Olorode Kehinde, General Secretary Ekundayo Gbenga and Public Relations Officer Oloyede Ganiyu, followed what the union described as unsuccessful efforts to persuade the institution’s management to review the new charges.
According to the union, several meetings were held with the management after the revised fees appeared on the students’ portal, but the concerns raised by students were not addressed.
“Despite sustained engagement and several rounds of dialogue with the management, the issues affecting students remain unresolved. Given the current economic hardship, many students and parents are struggling to cope with the additional financial burden,” the statement said.
The union explained that the decision to stage the sit-at-home protest was aimed at drawing the attention of the authorities to the financial challenges confronting students.
“After careful deliberation, the Students’ Union Government has directed all MAPOLY students to observe a peaceful sit-at-home as a demonstration of our collective dissatisfaction with the recent increase in school fees and a call for the authorities to reconsider the decision,” the statement added.
The students’ body emphasised that the protest was intended to remain peaceful and should not be interpreted as an invitation to violence, destruction of property or any act capable of disrupting activities on campus.
“This action is a peaceful expression of our concerns. Students are advised to maintain law and order, avoid confrontation with members of staff, security personnel and fellow students, and rely only on information released through official Students’ Union channels,” the union stated.
The union also appealed to shuttle operators, commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport service providers within the institution to suspend operations in solidarity with the protest.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the students’ leadership maintained that the protest did not signal the end of discussions with the management.
“This directive does not mark the end of our engagement with the management. Rather, it is a reminder that while dialogue continues, the concerns of MAPOLY students must not be ignored,” the union said.
The students expressed optimism that the peaceful action would encourage the institution’s authorities to reconsider the fee increase in the interest of students while negotiations continue.
