By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has declared the recent increment in school fees at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, justifiable after a high-level dialogue with the institution’s management.
This is contained in a statement signed by Uredo Omale, Director, Public Relations and Protocol of the Polytechnic in Lokoja on Thursday and copied The Reporters.
NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, who led a delegation of national executives to the Polytechnic’s Council Chamber on Wednesday, June 17, 2025, said the engagement provided clarity that was previously lacking.
He noted that while the association had earlier considered protests to press for a reversal, management’s detailed presentation revealed the increment was unavoidable due to Nigeria’s current economic realities, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy.
According to him, the upward review was not unilateral but a product of broad consultations involving the Students’ Union Government (SUG), the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), the Alumni Association, religious leaders, security officers, and other stakeholders.
He noted that the review was further ratified by the Kogi State House of Assembly for implementation, beginning with the 2025/2026 academic session.
Comrade Oghayan disclosed that some of the agitation against the hike had been fueled by individuals within and outside the Polytechnic community who lacked accurate information or sought to use the issue for political gains.
He, however ,appealed for measures to cushion the effect of the increase while assuring management of NAPS’ support in advancing student welfare.
In his response, the Rector, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended NAPS for choosing dialogue over confrontation, warning that protests could have been hijacked by detractors to destabilize the institution.
He explained that the increment applies only to new students, while returning students would continue with the existing 2018 fee structure.
Prof. Usman also announced that from the next session, installment payment options would be introduced to reduce financial strain on students, emphasizing that the adjustment was necessary to sustain quality education and improve services at the Polytechnic.
The Rector praised Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support to the institution, citing interventions such as campus-wide surveillance cameras, fencing of the Itakpe campus, solar-powered streetlights, improved staff welfare, prompt salary payments, and the state health insurance scheme.
According to Omale,student leaders, including SUG President Enimokanyi Oluwadamilola Janet, NAKOSS President Abubakar Isah Sheriff, and the Non-Indigene Students’ Association President, along with representatives of security agencies, all applauded the Polytechnic’s transparent handling of the matter.
They pledged to work with management and government to ensure peace and a conducive learning environment.
The meeting, attended by principal officers, deans, directors, and student representatives, was described as a timely intervention that not only doused tension but also strengthened trust between students and management.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
