DS Adegbenro Polytechnic Rector debunks allegations of increase in tuition fee

ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Professor Yemi Fatade, Rector, DS. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ewekoro, has debunked allegations that the management of the institution has increased or introduced any additional charges on the students.

The Rector, in his reaction to an online publications on allegations against the management of the Polytechnic, emphasised that the management only proposed a slight upward review of five thousand naira each on the convocation fee and school fee to be paid by the students.

One of the online titles had published that the management of the Polytechnic was alleged by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) of meting out injustice to the students of the Institution through extortion, arbitrary increase in fees payable by the generality of the students in the Polytechnic, thereby causing untold hardship to the students populace.

While making further clarification, the Rector explained that the management has only requested for an approval from government for an increase in the two fees, but the normal practice was to seek government approval for such a review and that except the government granted approval, such an increase would not be effected.

He said: “The increase was intended for the 2019/2020 academic session which was due to commence on October 7, 2019. The state government has cautioned against such an increase and has consequently asked the management to stick to status-quo, which management has complied with immediately.

“Investigation carried out by our team revealed that some elements within the institution were collaborating with the students to bring the management into disrepute, but I am assuring that the management under my leadership will not do anything that could derail our well structured and conscientiously lay out goals or do anything that could negatively affect the students.

“I am not ready to join issues with any person or group, all I have been advocating is for all segments be run without any undue interference of other sections.

“Since I joined this institution, I have never interfered with who becomes the President of the Students Union, let alone meddle into how they conduct their activities or finances.

“The management of the institution comprises of law abiding and visionary, dedicated, focused personalities who are working conscientiously and tirelessly toward building the institution to be first among equals in the Nigerian Nation.

“We are aware of the enormous responsibilities entrusted unto us by the state government, the parents of the students who are expectant, by the time their children and wards finished from the institution, they will not only have become fully equipped for future challenges of outside world, but self dependent, hence management is poised to work towards the realization of those expectations.”

Therefore, Professor Fatade stated that as administrators, educators and parents themselves, they owe the state and the country the responsibilities of ensuring they did all that were humanly possible to ease learning for the students, who according to him, hold the key to unlock the progress and development of the nation.

He added that his management team would work in tandem with the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government in making education, not only accessible but affordable to the citizens of the State.

He urged the students body and all stakeholders in the institution to cooperate with management in ensuring the continued growth of the Institution.