,,,,, Advises students against alleged protest.
,,,,Says installment in payment options will be introduced to ease burden.
,,,,Students say no to protest.
By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has justified the recent upward review of school fees, stressing that the decision was based on prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain quality education.
This is contained in a statement signed by Uredo Omale,
Director, Public Relations and Protocol of the institution and copied The Reporters on Tuesday in Lokoja.
Speaking during an interactive session with student union leaders and security agencies on Monday at the Council Chamber of the institution, Prof. Usman said the increment was the first in seven years, with the last review carried out in 2018 when petrol sold for N97 per litre and diesel for N120 per litre.
“Today, petrol sells at N890 per litre, diesel at N1,200, and a ream of paper that was N500 now costs N5,500. With these realities, the Polytechnic cannot continue with the 2018 fee structure,” he explained.
He noted that the adjustment was recommended by a broad-based committee chaired by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Samuel Taiwo Olowo, which included principal officers, deans, directors, student union executives, alumni, and religious leaders.
The Rector emphasized that only new students would pay the reviewed fees, while returning students would remain on the old structure.
Prof. Usman further assured students that beginning from the next academic session, instalmental payment options would be introduced to ease the burden.
He cautioned students against being misled by external actors attempting to stir protests, warning that such actions were not in their academic interest.
Student leaders present at the meeting unanimously distanced themselves from the purported protest.
SUG President, Comrade Enimokanyi Janet, said student representatives were fully involved in the fee review process.
NAKOSS President, Comrade Abubakar Isah Sheriff, and Non-Indigene Students’ President, Comrade Opeyemi Rasheed, acknowledged the necessity of the increment but appealed for more flexible payment timelines.
Security agencies at the meeting commended the Rector for his proactive engagement, pledging to ensure a peaceful atmosphere on campus.
The Rector also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support to the Polytechnic, citing interventions such as campus surveillance cameras, fencing of the Itakpe campus, and solar-powered streetlights.
Omale said the meeting was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, and Kogi State Vigilante Service.
She added that the meeting was convened to address concerns over the increment and to dispel rumors of a planned protest linked to students of the Polytechnic.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
