The Concerned Students Against Tuition Fees (CSATF) has denounced the hike in tuition fees for returning students at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and the violent response to peaceful protests against the increase.
The group, in a statement shared by popular student activist Ayodele Aduwo, expressed support for the students’ union, while also calling for an investigation into the shooting at protesters by the security team of Ogun State’s Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
“Education is a fundamental right, and policies that make it unaffordable are unjust and inhumane,” stated CSATF in their press release. The group demands an immediate reversal of the increased fees and calls upon the Polytechnic’s management to address the delay in mobilizing higher national diploma students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The CSATF urges the Ogun State Government to review its funding approach for education, ensuring adequate financial support and accountability. The group appeals to all Education Rights movements in Nigeria, as well as international organizations, such as Global Rights Nigeria, Education Rights Campaign, UNESCO, Amnesty International Nigeria, and SERAPNigeria, to stand in solidarity with the students’ fight for accessible education.
The statement reads,
“CSATF CALLS FOR JUSTICE: Condemns Ogun State Deputy Governor’s Gun Shooting Approach at MAPOLY Students’ Peaceful Protest Against Fee Increment
- The Concerned Students Against Tuition Fees (CSATF) stand in solidarity with Moshood Abiola Polytechnic students and their union leadership as they resist the outrageous hike in fees for returning students. We also share the sentiments of university graduates delayed from participating in the NYSC service scheme without valid reasons.
- The twin issues of tuition fee increments and delayed mobilization of higher national diploma students for NYSC are rightful concerns deserving attention, rather than the Polytechnic management’s dismissive attitude.
- We condemn the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele’s, security team for shooting at protesting students. Students have the right to express themselves and to life. This act is unconstitutional, inhumane, and despicable, and an affront to Ogun State residents and Nigerians.
- Education is a right, and policies making it unaffordable are dishonorable and ungodly. We remind the Rector, Arc. Dr. Babatunde Adekoyejo Jolaoso, and the Ogun State Government that transparency and public accountability in fund management are essential.
- We reject the Polytechnic management’s attempt to price students out of education and condemn the decision to shift funding responsibility to students and their parents. We demand an immediate reversal of the hiked fees.
- We call on MAPOLY management to address the delay in NYSC mobilization. Students deserve better than the callous post-schooling experience. We also urge the State Government to investigate the delay and prevent future occurrences.
- We call on the Ogun State Government to revise its funding approach to education, ensuring adequate funding and proper monitoring to utilize the allotted budget effectively.”
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