Federal Polytechnic Bida Students Protest School Fee Increment; SUG Urges Calm

Students of the Federal Polytechnic Bida staged a protest on Monday to express their dissatisfaction with the recent school fee increment for the 2024/2025 academic session. The demonstration, which took place on campus, comes amidst rising economic hardships faced by many families across the country.

“Wickedness” in Difficult Times

Students described the fee hike as an act of “wickedness” by the school management, arguing that it is insensitive to the current economic realities in Nigeria. Many students have also taken to social media to voice their frustrations, with posts lamenting the financial burden posed by the new fees.

According to reports, newly admitted students in both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs are required to pay over ₦100,000 for the session. This development has been met with widespread rejection, with students calling on the management to reconsider and reduce the fees.

SUG Advocates for a Fee Freeze

In response to the development, the Students’ Union Government (SUG), alongside other departmental associations, has issued directives for all students to suspend payment of the revised fees until further notice.

In a statement obtained by POLYTV, the SUG assured students that it is actively engaging with the management to seek a resolution.

“We want to assure you that the Students’ Union Government (SUG) is doing everything possible to address the recent school fees increment,” the statement read. “We understand the burden this poses on many of us and are committed to finding a solution.”

The union further urged students to remain calm and patient during the ongoing negotiations.

“In the meantime, we urge all students to remain calm and NOT pay the increased school fees yet. We’re engaging with the management to negotiate a better deal for everyone,” the statement concluded.

Call for Dialogue

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are hopeful that the dialogue between the SUG and the management will yield a favorable outcome, ensuring that education remains accessible to all students of the Federal Polytechnic Bida.