The students of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, in Ogun State have boycotted classes in protest of hike in their school fees in the institution.
The school’s Student Union Government, SUG, in a statement, gave the sit-at-home directive on the students, which has commenced, stating that the measure became imperative after unsuccessful dialogue with the management of the institution over the pay hike, as disclosed by the SUG President, Afolabi Temitope.
In the circular made available on Monday, Temitope, alongside the body’s Acting Speaker, Olorode Kehinde, the General Secretary, Ekundayo Gbenga, and the Public Relations Officer, Oloyede Ganiu, stressed that prior to the exercise on Monday, the Students’ Union had consistently also relayed to the school on the welfare and other interests of the students which has been unanswererd, adding that the requests remain paramount in every decision affecting academic pursuits.
“Despite our sustained efforts and several rounds of dialogue, the concerns of students remain unresolved. The Students’ Union believes that the prevailing economic realities make it increasingly difficult for many students and parents to bear additional financial burdens,” the statement read, adding that as the constitutionally recognised voice of students, it could not ignore their concerns while remaining committed to responsible leadership, constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy.
“Consequently, after careful deliberation, the Students’ Union Government hereby directs all MAPOLY students to observe a peaceful sit-at-home on Monday, 3rd August, 2026, as a demonstration of our collective dissatisfaction with the recent increase in school fees and a call for further reconsideration by the appropriate authorities,” it stated.
The union stressed that the action was a peaceful expression of students’ concerns and not an invitation to violence, destruction of property, intimidation or any act capable of disrupting the peace and reputation of the institution, advising the students to maintain peace, order and discipline, avoid confrontation with members of staff, security personnel and fellow students, and rely only on information it officially released in the matter.
It further appealed to shuttle operators, commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport service providers within the polytechnic community to suspend operations within and around the campus in solidarity with the protest.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue with the institution’s management, the union said the protest should not be interpreted as the end of negotiations.
“This directive does not signify the end of engagement with the Management. Rather, it is a demonstration that while dialogue continues, the collective concerns of MAPOLY students cannot be overlooked,” the statement added.
The union expressed hope that the peaceful action would encourage the authorities to reconsider the fee increase in the interest of students while pledging to continue pursuing constructive engagement with the management.