The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, on Tuesday, engaged students and security agencies to address concerns over the recent upward review of school fees at the institution.

The interactive session was meant to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between the management, student union and security agencies in order to avert a purported planned protest.

The Rector of the polytechnic, Salisu Usman, explained that the fee adjustment process was carried out procedurally and meticulously, with critical stakeholders fully represented in the committee.

Mr Usman noted that the last time school fees were reviewed in the polytechnic was in 2018, which coincided with an increase in the pump price of petrol from N97 to N145 per litre.

He said that the committee’s recommendations were approved by the Kogi State House of Assembly for the 2025/2026 academic session.

He said, “The new students will follow the newly approved fee template, while returning students would still maintain the 2018 structure. Prevailing economic realities, including the significant increase in the pump price of petrol and diesel, as well as the cost of learning materials, are the basis for the upward review of school fees.’’

The rector assured students that the increment was necessary to sustain quality education.

He reiterated the management’s dedication to students’ welfare and comfortability.

The rector assured the students that management would consider instalment fee payment from next session.

Mr Usman highlighted the polytechnic’s commitment to strengthening security, enhancing health services, and expanding extracurricular programmes.

He, however, warned the students against external influence with ulterior motives that could affect their academic progress, urging them to focus on their studies and avoid being misled.

The rector commended Governor Ahmed Ododo’s commitment to education in Kogi State.

He pointed out that the governor’s support led to interventions such as surveillance cameras, campus fencing, and solar-powered streetlights.

In their remarks, President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Janet Enimokanyi, and President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Abubakar Sheriff, dissociated themselves from the purported planned protest.

They affirmed that their leadership had neither endorsed nor organised any such action.

The student union leaders commended the management for their openness and commitment to engaging students directly.

Also, President of the Non-Indigene Students’ Association, Opeyemi Rasheed, earlier suggested an instalment payment option or extended deadlines, especially for students from low-income backgrounds.

The engagement had in attendance representatives of the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the State Security Service (SSS). 

(NAN)