Students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, have commenced a peaceful sit-at-home protest in opposition to the institution’s recent increase in school fees, following unsuccessful discussions between the Students’ Union Government (SUG) and the management.
The directive, issued by the SUG leadership, instructed all students to stay away from lectures and other academic activities as a demonstration of their dissatisfaction with the revised fees. The union said several engagements with the institution’s management since the new fees appeared on the students’ portal failed to resolve the concerns raised by students.
According to the union, the prevailing economic hardship has made it increasingly difficult for many students and their parents to cope with additional financial obligations. It maintained that as the recognised representative of the student body, it could not ignore the widespread concerns over the fee increase.
The SUG stressed that the protest is a peaceful action and not an invitation to violence, destruction of property or intimidation. It urged students to remain law-abiding, avoid confrontations with staff and security personnel, and rely only on official information released by the union.
The union also appealed to shuttle operators, commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport service providers within the polytechnic community to suspend operations in solidarity with the protest. Despite the sit-at-home action, it reaffirmed its commitment to continued dialogue with the institution’s management in the hope of reaching an amicable resolution.
