Students from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, gathered in protest on Tuesday, expressing their dissatisfaction with the recurrent imposition of examination fees and other levies by the school authorities.
With a turnout exceeding 1,000 students from various departments, they wielded placards bearing messages such as “Reduce textbook costs,” “Allow us to complete medical and data capture,” “Reject corrupt stakeholders,” “Oppose examination fees,” and “Breakdown tuition fees,” among others.
The catalyst for the protest was reportedly the recent enforcement of a mandatory N5,000 examination fee, coupled with the school management’s insistence that non-payment would result in the exclusion of students from exams.
Marching from the school’s main gate to administrative buildings, departments, and the permanent site, the protesters chanted solidarity songs, converging at the renowned school tower to amplify their grievances.
Cynthia Felix, the Secretary-General of the National Association Of Nigeria Students, South-East zone, addressed the students, urging calm and pledging to safeguard their interests. She deemed the imposition of examination fees as “unlawful” and demanded transparency through a fee schedule outlining the necessity for such charges.
Chukwuebuka Umezula, Vice President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, South-East, highlighted the abruptness of the fee notification, especially considering its timing during public holidays. He questioned the rationale behind additional fees after students had already paid tuition, expressing resolve to boycott examinations until the management reconsiders its stance.
Several students voiced concerns to journalists, citing financial strain on their families and appealing to the Federal Ministry of Education for intervention.
In response, the acting Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, urged journalists to downplay the situation, assuring that internal resolutions were underway.
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