The Students’ Union Government of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic has directed students to observe a peaceful sit-at-home on Monday (Today), in protest against the recent increase in school fees.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the union said the directive followed unsuccessful engagements with the management of the institution over the reviewed fees.

The statement, signed by the Students’ Union President, Afolabi Temitope, alongside the Acting Speaker, Olorode Kehinde, General Secretary, Ekundayo Gbenga, and Public Relations Officer, Oloyede Ganiyu, said the union had held a series of consultations with the management since the revised fees appeared on the students’ portal.

According to the union, it consistently maintained that the welfare and interests of students must remain paramount in every decision affecting their academic pursuits.

“Despite our sustained efforts and several rounds of dialogue, the concerns of students remain unresolved. The Students’ Union believes that the prevailing economic realities make it increasingly difficult for many students and parents to bear additional financial burdens,” the statement read.

It added that as the constitutionally recognised voice of students, it could not ignore their concerns while remaining committed to responsible leadership, constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy.

The union consequently directed all students to remain at home on Monday and refrain from attending lectures or participating in any academic activities.

“Consequently, after careful deliberation, the Students’ Union Government hereby directs all MAPOLY students to observe a peaceful sit-at-home on Monday, 3rd August, 2026, as a demonstration of our collective dissatisfaction with the recent increase in school fees and a call for further reconsideration by the appropriate authorities,” it stated.

The union stressed that the action was a peaceful expression of students’ concerns and not an invitation to violence, destruction of property, intimidation or any act capable of disrupting the peace and reputation of the institution.

It also advised students to maintain peace, order and discipline, avoid confrontation with members of staff, security personnel and fellow students, and rely only on information officially released by the Students’ Union Government.

The union further appealed to shuttle operators, commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport service providers within the polytechnic community to suspend operations within and around the campus in solidarity with the protest.

While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue with the institution’s management, the union said the protest should not be interpreted as the end of negotiations.

“This directive does not signify the end of engagement with the Management. Rather, it is a demonstration that while dialogue continues, the collective concerns of MAPOLY students cannot be overlooked,” the statement added.

The union expressed hope that the peaceful action would encourage the authorities to reconsider the fee increase in the interest of students while pledging to continue pursuing constructive engagement with the management. (PUNCH)