Academic activities suspended, as MAPOLY students protest hike in fees

The management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, has announced the suspension of academic activities following the refusal of workers to call off their strike action.

Recalled that both the academic and non-academic staff of MAPOLY on Thursday embarked on an indefinite strike due to nonpayment of their July, August and September salaries.

In an internal memorandum sent to all students by the Registrar, Olubunmi Elewodalu, the management said it is suspending academic activities for one week, starting from today, Monday, October 9.

The internal memo tagged, MAP/REG. 486/VOL I/188 and dated 8th October, 2023, urged all students to stay off campus until otherwise directed.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The management of the Polytechnic on behalf of the Academic Board is hereby announcing the suspension of all Academic activities for a period of one (1) week.

“The temporary suspension of academic activities is as a result of the need to address the prevailing circumstances in the Polytechnic.

“The suspension of academic activities will be effective from Monday, 9th October to Friday, 13th October, 2023. During this period, all students are enjoined to stay off the campus until otherwise directed.

“The above directive of Management is hereby conveyed to you for your information and necessary action,” the internal memorandum read.

Meanwhile, some students of the institution, on Monday, gathered at the school gate to protest the hike in the acceptance fee paid by newly admitted students among other issues.

The students, who trooped out to the campus gate as early as 7am were seen in their numbers holding placards with inscriptions such as #No To Increment of Tution Fee, #Rector Must Go, #Release our Result ASAP among others.

Men of the Nigeria Police Force were also present to forestall breakdown of law and order.

Among the issues affecting the students included delay in result, shortage of staff and increment in the acceptance fee for fresh students.

The leader of the Students Union of the institution, Babatunde Adelola, noted that the management alleged that the institution is not getting adequate subsidy from the state government, which prompted the hike in acceptance fee paid by fresh students from N35,000 to N50,500.

Adelola lamented the delay in release of results, which often lasted one year for a semester result to be released.

This, he said, has affected the academic performances of students.

“We have many reasons to protest. Recently, the school said they are not getting funding from the state government and they need to generate funds internally which was why they increased the acceptance fee from N35,000 to N50,500.

“Aside from the hike in fee, the delay in the release of our result is affecting students. For instance, those who graduated last session are yet to be mobilised for service, I am in HND 2 second semester and I am yet to see the result of the exams I did in HND 1 second semester. This is affecting students because they do not know their academic standing and how well to prepare for next exams.”