Union directs boycott of lectures after failed talks with management, urges peaceful compliance

Students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) have commenced a sit-at-home protest in response to a recent increase in tuition fees, following failed negotiations between the Students’ Union Government (SUG) and the institution’s management.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the union leadership—comprising President Afolabi Temitope, Acting Speaker Olorode Kehinde, General Secretary Ekundayo Gbenga, and Public Relations Officer Oloyede Ganiyu—said multiple rounds of dialogue had not yielded a resolution since the revised fees were uploaded to the students’ portal.

The union described the fee hike as ill-timed, citing prevailing economic hardship that has placed additional strain on students and their families. It noted that, as the constitutionally recognised representative body, it was compelled to act while maintaining a commitment to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement.

As part of the protest, students have been directed to boycott lectures and all academic activities on Monday. The SUG emphasised that the sit-at-home action is a peaceful demonstration intended to press the institution’s authorities to reconsider the fee increase.

It cautioned against any form of violence, intimidation, or destruction of property, urging students to remain orderly and law-abiding throughout the protest. The union also advised students to avoid confrontations with staff, security personnel, and fellow students, and to rely solely on official communications from the SUG.

In a show of solidarity, the union appealed to shuttle operators, commercial drivers, and tricycle operators within the polytechnic community to suspend services during the protest.

Reaffirming its readiness for continued dialogue, the SUG stressed that the sit-at-home action is not the end of negotiations but a peaceful call for urgent attention to students’ concerns.