The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has intervened in the recent tensions surrounding hostel accommodation and related charges at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.
The intervention has led to the suspension of compulsory hostel fees and a reduction in proposed increments.
The resolutions followed a high-level engagement between the national leadership of NANS and the management of the institution which was aimed at addressing students’ concerns and preventing a breakdown of peace on campus.
These disclosures were made by the NANS National Secretary-General, Comrade Anzaku Shedrack Ovye in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and he personally signed.
The association said the intervention became necessary following growing agitation over hostel policies and associated charges introduced by the polytechnic management.
According to NANS, the meeting with the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin and management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and constructive dialogue, with both parties agreeing to prioritise the welfare of students while acknowledging the administrative realities of the institution.
One of the major outcomes of the engagement was the immediate suspension of compulsory hostel accommodation fees.
This decision, NANS noted, ensures that students are no longer forced to pay for hostel facilities against their will.
Management also agreed to reduce the proposed hostel fee increment by ₦5,000. The earlier plan to increase hostel charges by ₦10,000 was reviewed in consideration of the prevailing economic hardship faced by students and their families.
On certificate clearance charges, NANS clarified that students who had already paid ₦10,000 for certificate clearance receipts would not be required to make any additional payments.
However, new applicants seeking certificate clearance are to pay the approved rate of ₦15,000, as jointly agreed during the meeting.
The polytechnic management further assured NANS that renovation works on hostel facilities would commence immediately and be completed within the next two to three weeks.
The renovation, according to the assurance, is intended to improve students’ living conditions and overall welfare within the hostels.
Following the resolutions, NANS appealed to students of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding.
NANS urges the students to embrace dialogue as the most effective tool for resolving disputes.
The association also called on students to cooperate fully with the management of the institution, stressing that character and discipline are as important as academic excellence in shaping future leaders.
NANS commended the Rector and management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, for their openness and willingness to engage with student leaders, describing the dialogue as a clear demonstration of responsive leadership.
The association particularly praised the Rector for what it described as exemplary conduct and commitment to student welfare during the engagement.
It said such cooperation strengthens the partnership between institutional authorities and student bodies.
NANS also reassured the Students’ Union Government of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, led by Comrade Abdulazeez Majeed Olanrewaju (Achiever) of its continued solidarity and readiness to intervene constructively whenever students’ welfare is at stake.
The national leadership of the association reiterated its commitment to monitoring the implementation of all agreements reached, assuring students that their interests would continue to be defended through responsible advocacy, dialogue, and collaboration.
OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS (NANS)
Outcome of NANS Engagement with the Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa
Solidarity Greetings from the Leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex representative body of all Nigerian students both within the country and in the diaspora, extends warm solidarity greetings to Nigerian students nationwide.
NANS remains the umbrella organization entrusted with the responsibility of protecting, promoting, and advancing the welfare, rights, and academic interests of over 40.1 million Nigerian students across tertiary institutions at home and abroad. As a vanguard of students’ advocacy, dialogue, and constructive engagement, the Association continues to intervene responsibly in matters affecting the wellbeing of Nigerian students.
BACKGROUND TO THE ENGAGEMENT
In view of the recent developments and concerns arising from the management policies of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, particularly as they relate to hostel accommodation and associated fees, the National Leadership of NANS considered it imperative to intervene promptly in order to forestall tension and ensure industrial harmony within the institution.
Consequently, the Office of the Secretary-General, NANS National, engaged in a high-level meeting with the Rector and Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa. The meeting was held in the spirit of dialogue, mutual respect, and collective responsibility, with the sole objective of protecting the legitimate interests of students while also appreciating the administrative realities of the institution.
Following exhaustive deliberations, constructive negotiations, and mutual understanding, the following resolutions were reached:
RESOLUTIONS REACHED
1. Suspension of Compulsory Hostel Fees
The Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa has placed an immediate embargo on the compulsory payment of hostel accommodation fees, thereby ensuring that students are not unduly compelled to make payments against their will.
2. Reduction in Hostel Fee Increment
Management agreed to reduce the hostel fee increment by ₦5,000, bringing down the earlier proposed ₦10,000 increment in consideration of the prevailing economic realities facing Nigerian students and their families.
3. Clarification on Certificate Clearance Charges
Students who have already paid for the certificate clearance receipt at the rate of ₦10,000 are not required to make any additional payment.
However, new applicants for certificate clearance are to comply with the approved rate of ₦15,000, as agreed during the meeting.
4. Renovation of Hostel Facilities
The Management assured the leadership of NANS that renovation works on the school hostels will commence and be completed within the next two to three weeks, in order to improve the living conditions and overall welfare of students residing in the hostels.
CALL FOR CALM AND COOPERATION
The leadership of NANS firmly believes that these resolutions were reached in good faith and in the best interest of Nigerian students. We therefore call on all students of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful, while embracing dialogue as the most effective means of conflict resolution.
Students are further urged to extend maximum cooperation to the Management of the institution, bearing in mind that certificates are issued not only in learning but also in character. Peaceful engagement and mutual respect remain critical to sustaining a conducive academic environment.
APPRECIATION AND ASSURANCE OF SOLIDARITY
The National Association of Nigerian Students sincerely appreciates the Rector and Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa for their willingness to listen, engage, and take decisive steps toward resolving the concerns raised by students. Such responsiveness underscores the importance of partnership between student leadership and institutional authorities.
Particularly, NANS commends the Rector for being a great Ambassador of NANS at all times, as recently displayed during the dialogue. NANS also reassures the Students’ Union Government of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, as well as the Management of the institution, of our continued solidarity, support, and readiness to engage constructively whenever the need arises in the collective interest of Nigerian students.
CONCLUSION
The National Leadership of NANS remains unwavering in its commitment to defending students’ welfare through responsible advocacy, dialogue, and collaboration. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the agreed resolutions and ensure that students’ interests are protected at all times.
Together, we can build institutions anchored on fairness, understanding, and shared progress.
Signed:
Comrade Anzaku Shedrack Ovye, CNS
Secretary-General
NANS National
