By Clifford Ejenavi
Concerned Students of the Polytechnic Ibadan, has given the Management of the institution a 7-day ultimatum to reverse the recent increment of school fees by 180 percent. The students are crying for justice and calling on the authority and well meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene to avoid the danger and implications that may happen should the institution remain adamant.
According to the students, the increment has already forced several students to drop out, not because of academic failure, but simply because they cannot afford the fees. “How can the Management justify such a sharp rise in cost without proper consultation or consideration of the current economic climate?” the students asked.
Speaking out their frustrations, the students said, “We, the Concerned Students of The Polytechnic Ibadan, are deeply troubled and disappointed over the recent astronomical increase in school fees of almost 180% increment, affecting HND2 and ND2 students. This sudden and unjustifiable hike has placed an unbearable burden on students and their families, especially in this harsh economic reality where many are already struggling to survive.”
The students noted that even those eligible for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are hesitant to take the loan, fearing future debt that could cripple them before they even graduate. “Is this the price we have to pay for seeking education?” They added, “We are equally disappointed in the Students’ Union Government (SUG), whose silence and inaction speak volumes.”
You were elected to protect the interest of the students, so why are you scared to speak up now? Why wear the title of “comrade” if you can’t stand for the very people who trusted you with their mandate?
The students stated further that the 7-day ultimatum is to both the Management and the Students’ Union. “Address this fee increment, or we, the students, will be left with no choice but to take matters into our own hands,” the students said. Adding that, We are not afraid. We will not be silenced.
Our education is a right, not a privilege. If we must fight for our future, we will because our future depends on it,” they stated.
