By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has thrown its weight behind the management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, following a fact-finding meeting over the recent hike in school fees.
NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, said the association’s interface with the management helped calm tensions and averted a planned protest on campus.
The meeting, held at the Council Chamber of the Polytechnic’s main campus, brought together representatives of NAPS, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS).
Oghayan explained that the protest was initially part of NAPS’ strategy to press the management to reconsider its decision. However, after listening to the Rector, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, he admitted that the increment was justifiable given current economic realities and the ripple effects of fuel subsidy removal.
He stressed that the process involved the Students’ Union leadership and other stakeholders, describing the decision as both necessary and transparent. According to him, some of the agitation for protests was driven by individuals with political motives or inadequate information.
While appealing for measures to cushion the impact on students, Oghayan assured that NAPS was ready to cooperate with the management in supporting student welfare.
Responding, Professor Usman commended NAPS for embracing dialogue instead of protest, noting that demonstrations could have been hijacked by detractors of the government and the institution. He emphasized that the fee review process was procedural and inclusive, overseen by a committee chaired by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Samuel Taiwo Olowo.
