Students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have taken to the streets to protest the recent tuition fee hike, which they claim has devastating consequences.
According to the protesters, the financial burden has forced many students into prostitution and rituals for survival.
The protest also highlighted delays in the mobilization of Higher National Diploma (HND) students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). In a video clip, a student narrated a troubling incident, stating that the school authorities should reduce the tuition fee to a reasonable amount.
“We have parents who have more than three children in MAPOLY. How will they cope?” the student asked. “Now, because of the increment, many of our students have been engaging in prostitution and rituals. It’s all over the internet.”
The student also mentioned a MAPOLY student who ran mad due to the financial strain of securing tuition fees. “Not only the particular person I’m referring to, but a whole lot of students have been engaging in prostitution. You can see them at Iwe-Iroyin, Miami, and every other strategic place where they position themselves. It’s a slap on us all in the state.”
Another student expressed frustration with the management’s response to their pleas. “We have engaged Dr. Babatunde Jolaoso, the Rector, for over three weeks, pleading with him to reduce the tuition fee. Even at the former fee of N63,000, we were still finding it difficult to pay.”
The protest prompted the management to announce the school’s closure on Monday. However, one of the students described the protest as “just a preamble,” vowing that they will continue until their demands are met.
