In what appeared to be a major pushback against extortion and outdated academic practices, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has declared the collection of money for SIWES logbooks as illegal and obsolete, vowing to end the exploitation of students in Ogun State tertiary institutions.
The declaration came during a visit to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta, by the NANS President, Comrade Olushola Ladoja (GCNS), as part of his campus tour across South-West institutions.
The visit was marked by a heated but productive dialogue with MAPOLY students and the Students’ Union Government (SUG), led by Comrade Isaac Oluwajuwonlo Ogunlana (popularly known as Iceconray).
Students used the opportunity to air their frustrations, especially the insistence by school authorities that students must pay 60% of tuition fees before embarking on the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), alongside a compulsory ₦5,000 payment for a manual logbook.
“This practice is not only exploitative but outdated,” said Comrade Ladoja, addressing a packed hall of aggrieved students. “The manual logbook system is now obsolete. Nigeria’s tertiary education system recognizes digital logbooks, which are cheaper, more efficient, and globally acceptable. Any institution still demanding payment for manual ones is acting against policy.”
His comments struck a chord with many students who have long complained about the financial strain imposed by the logbook levy. For many, the ₦5,000 fee represents more than a number — it’s another barrier in a system where every naira counts.
“I had to borrow money just to pay for the logbook,” said a frustrated student from the Department of Science and Technology, who preferred to remain anonymous. “We are already paying school fees; adding ₦5,000 for a logbook feels like a punishment for being students.”
In response, MAPOLY’s SUG, under the leadership of Comrade Iceconray, reaffirmed its commitment to defending the students’ welfare, describing the situation as a fight against “academic exploitation disguised as policy.”
“The welfare of MAPOLY students is non-negotiable,” Iceconray told reporters after the meeting. “We have taken this matter to the highest level, and we will not relent until every unjust policy affecting our students is reviewed.”
Following the campus meeting, the SUG executives, alongside the NANS President and NANS Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC), proceeded to Oke-Mosan to meet with the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu. During the meeting, the delegation presented the concerns of MAPOLY students, calling for immediate government intervention to halt the illegal logbook payment and review SIWES-related policies.
The MAPOLY Students’ Union emphasized that it will continue to engage the state government and relevant agencies until justice is achieved.
“This is not just about ₦5,000,” Iceconray stressed. “It’s about fairness, transparency, and respect for students. We will not allow any form of extortion under our watch.”
The Union, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Isaac Oluwajuwonlo (Iceconray), General Secretary Comrade Abdulkareem Mubarak (Mubby), and Public Relations Officer Comrade Abdullahi Samuel (Captain), urged students to remain calm and united while the leadership pursues a lasting resolution.
The SUG also expressed gratitude to the NANS President for his courage in confronting the issue head-on and to the Commissioner for Education for granting audience to the delegation.
As the controversy continues to unfold, MAPOLY students are hopeful that their collective voice — now amplified by national leadership — will finally put an end to what many describe as a long-standing culture of institutional exploitation.