Recent protests by students at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, regarding an alleged hike in examination fee have been addressed by the institution’s management.
During a protest last week, students accused the management of imposing a N5,000 examination fee on them.
Responding to the protest, the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, refuted claims of an increase in examination fee by the new acting Rector, Dr. Uche Onyegbu.
He highlighted that those spreading such misinformation are adversaries of the institution, emphasizing that the N5,000 exam fee had been sanctioned by the former governing council.
An official press release by Ibeziako, shared with NewsNow, stated, “The uproar against the examination fee is therefore bewildering and clearly indicates the agenda of troublemakers who aim to disrupt the progress under Ag.Rector, Dr. Uche Onyegbu, and the management team as they pursue personal ambitions.”
“Exam fees are mandatory in tertiary institutions, and in many cases, these fees exceed those at Federal Polytechnic, Oko.”
“We disapprove of the actions of the Students Union Government president at the institution who failed to honor the agreement made between the school management and the student body.”
“Following a directive from the SUG President instructing students not to pay the exam fee, Management engaged in numerous discussions with SUG representatives due to their open communication approach.”
“Subsequently, an agreement was reached, and a memorandum of understanding was signed by the student union president and Management in the presence of NANS officials, permitting students to continue paying the exam fee.”
“Management assured the student representatives that exams could proceed as students paid the fee, yet the student union president went back on the agreement and circulated a notice stating that the first semester exams scheduled to begin would not take place as planned, directing students to stay away from school.”
“On the morning of the scheduled exams, he led a group of students to block the school entrance, preventing others from entering to take the tests.”
“Nevertheless, the Ag.Rector, to prevent any conflict, instructed against the use of force to disband the unauthorized blockade, ensuring peace at the institution.”
“The rector’s dedication and efficiency swiftly resolved persistent exam-related issues, result publication delays, and enhanced operational efficiency on campus.”