EXCLUSIVE: MAPOLY SUG Demands Immediate Removal of New Rector as MG’T Closes School After Students’ Peaceful Protest

…Not-Yet-Mobilized MAPOLY ’23 Set Stage Protest, Counter Fake Results Allegations

…’24 Set to Take Another Industrial Action Tomorrow Over School Fee Hike

Fawaz Adebisi

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, under the leadership of Prosper Oladele, also known as Chemical, has demanded the immediate removal of the rector, Dr. Babatunde Jolaoso, following the institution’s sudden closure after a peaceful protest held by the school’s 2023 set of students.

The vote of no confidence in the rector was announced on Monday in a release by the SUG.

Earlier today, the ’23 set protested the prolonged delay in the release of their results, which has hindered them from being mobilized for the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, two years after graduating.

The aggrieved students, in their hundreds, expressed their grievances at the school gate, demanding immediate action from the institution’s management.

According to the students, the delay has disrupted their plans, leaving many in limbo and unable to proceed with their careers.

“After completing our programs in 2023, we have been left to wait endlessly for mobilization, and this was caused by the delay of our results. The institution owes us answers and swift resolution,” said Adeola Adeyemi, a representative of the protesters.

The demonstration saw students carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We’ve Waited Too Long,” “No Room for Injustice,” among other slogans. The peaceful protest temporarily disrupted activities around the institution’s campus in Abeokuta, attracting the attention of security personnel who ensured it remained non-violent.

However, responding to the protest, the management announced the indefinite closure of the school in an earlier release by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Yemi Ajibola.

This prompted the SUG to state, “His (the rector’s) actions have consistently shown a lack of empathy, transparency, and accountability.

“In light of these developments, we hereby pass a vote of no confidence in the rector, Dr. Jolaoso. We demand his immediate removal from office and a thorough investigation into his stewardship.”

Not-Yet-Mobilized MAPOLY ’23 Set Stage Protest, Counter Fake Results Allegations

According to a statement by thr institution’s Public Relations Officer, Yemi Ajibola on Monday, the delayed mobilization of the ’23 set was due to the verification of some students’ National Diploma results from their former schools.

The statement emphasized that “management expressed its zero tolerance for fake results from any quarters.”

As gathered, in response to the protest, the management released lists of students who allegedly used fake results to gain admission into the polytechnic.

Reacting to this, the ’23 set, in a statement, debunked the use of fake results by students, adding, “As intellectual gladiators, we have taken it upon ourselves to investigate the validity of this list and have discovered that it contains numerous matriculation numbers that do not correspond accurately to the names and institutions mentioned.”

The release further urged the management to “also” compile the lists of students eligible to receive their results immediately.

“Should management fail to meet this straightforward request, we will remain steadfast in our position and will not entertain any compromises until our demands are met,” the statement said.

’24 Set to Take Another Industrial Action Tomorrow Over School Fee Hike

In a related development, students of the 2024 academic set have announced plans to embark on a fresh industrial action tomorrow.

This announcement was made known in a statement by the institution’s SUG on Sunday.

Their demand is different: “Reduce the sudden hike in school fees,” a 115% increase, “for returning students.”

“It’s not just about the 2023 set; the systemic issues in MAPOLY are affecting everyone,” lamented Bolaji Johnson, a final-year student of the 2024 set. “We’ve been pushed to the wall, and this action is the only way to make our voices heard.”

In light of recent developments, Chemical has urged every student to come out tomorrow for a massive and peaceful protest, adding that the venue of the protest would be “communicated shortly.”

He also called on “NANS, SUGs across Ogun State, and stakeholders to join us in this peaceful protest as we demand justice, accountability, and a better future for our institution.”

“Similarly, we also call on the Governing Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, led by Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, to take immediate action to address this crisis and ensure the smooth operation of the institution.”