In the midst of a financial crisis, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, is left with no choice but to increase fees for its students.
The polytechnic’s management has been unable to pay wages, leading to an indefinite strike by workers since October 5.
The spokesperson for the institution, Yemi Ajibola, cited a lack of funds as the reason behind the unpaid salaries and allowances.
MAPOLY’s financial troubles can be traced back to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which has imposed restrictions on the number of students the polytechnic can admit for both Full Time and Part Time programs.
-Advertisement-
Previously, the institution admitted over 10,000 students, but now it is limited to a mere 4,000 at all levels.An anonymous high-ranking official at MAPOLY revealed that the management has already approached Governor Dapo Abiodun, seeking approval for an increase in fees.
Once the governor gives his consent, the new fee structure will be announced to all students.The proposed fee hike has not been well-received by the student body.
On Monday and Tuesday, MAPOLY students took to the streets of Abeokuta to protest against the increase in the Acceptance Fee from N25,000 to N35,000.
They called on Governor Abiodun to intervene and address their concerns.The blame for the institution’s current predicament is being placed on the Rector, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji.
Students and various unions have expressed their dissatisfaction with his leadership, accusing him of being responsible for the financial crisis that has befallen the once self-sufficient citadel of learning.
It could be recalled that in 2016, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun described MAPOLY as one institution that would not wait for government subventions before taking care of its financial obligations,including infrastructural development.
READ ALSO: NCC donates multi-million naira Virtual Examination Centre to MAPOLY
In response to claims that the Rector be blamed for the current state of the polytechnic, the PRO disagreed, asking what he would have done when there was no money.
He said: “They (the workers) have access to the polytechnic’s account. They are aware there is no money. How do they want the Rector or the management or the Bursar to get money to pay salaries?
“We are owed three months salaries, but the unions have access to the account of the polytechnic. So they cannot pass a vote of no confidence.”
Our correspondent gathered that the polytechnic once took loans from banks to pay salaries when things got to its climax in 2021, but it appears the Rector does not want to tread that path anymore.
In seeking a permanent solution to the financial challenges in MAPOLY, management is set to jack up all fees, which are yet to be reviewed since over a decade ago.
The source stated: “The management has constituted a committee to look into the school fees payable by students because that is the major source of revenue for the polytechnic. That has been done and the recommendation has been submitted to the governor for consideration and approval. So, we are waiting.
“The only thing that can settle all these problems is to have enough funds, and that can only be done by increasing the school fees. If a student is paying N50,000 per session in this country that we are, what do we do with that in this economy?
“JAMB has reduced the number of students we can admit per session. This is the cause of this paucity of funds and the only way out is to increase school fees.”
Reports revealed that HND students may pay up to N100,000 or more, should the governor approve the new tuition proposal.
It was gathered that the Ogun State Government is in dilemma over whether or not to approve the proposed increase in fees payable by students of the foremost Ogun Polytechnic.
Source said that the Governor is not pleased with the fact that parents, who are still battling with the hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, would have to struggle again with a hike in school fees.
The Governor is also considering the fact that many indigent students might drop out of the polytechnic if he gives his nod to the new fees recommended by the management, a government source said.
Likewise, Abiodun is not ready to continue having aggrieved students on the streets in protest to the new school fees.
Meanwhile, concerned parents have cried to Gov Abiodun not to approve the proposal to hike school fees, especially at a time the economy is biting harder.
It is left to be seen what would become the decision of the State Government.
We do everything possible to supply quality news and information to all our valuable readers day in, day out and we are committed to keep doing this.
Your kind donation will help our continuous research efforts.
-Advertisement-
-Want to get the news as it breaks?-
