The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, has called on the Ogun State Government to intervene in the funding of the institution, insisting that recurring increases in school fees are unsustainable and threaten access to higher education.
In an open letter addressed to the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, the union appealed for increased government funding through improved subventions, special intervention funds, infrastructural support, educational grants, and other initiatives aimed at easing the financial burden on students.
The letter, dated August 4, 2026, was jointly signed by the SUG President, Comr. Sen. Afolabi Temitope (Big AFO); Acting Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olorede Kehinde; General Secretary, Comr. Ekundayo Gbenga (Hallow); and Public Relations Officer, Comr. Oloyede Ganiyu (Gee Classic).
The union reiterated its opposition to the recent review of school fees, stressing that while it acknowledges the financial constraints confronting the Polytechnic’s management, increasing fees should not become the default solution to institutional funding challenges.
According to the students’ leaders, many parents and guardians are already struggling with the country’s economic realities, while numerous students rely on personal businesses, vocational work, scholarships, and support from relatives to finance their education.
They warned that additional financial obligations could force many deserving students out of higher education, arguing that quality education should remain accessible regardless of economic circumstances.
The union acknowledged that maintaining academic standards, infrastructure, staff welfare, accreditation requirements, and institutional development requires substantial resources. However, it maintained that students should not continue to bear the greatest share of the financial burden.
It further cautioned that relying on periodic school fee increases to address funding gaps could gradually make public tertiary education inaccessible to many young people across Ogun State.
The SUG therefore urged the state government to adopt a more sustainable funding model for its tertiary institutions to reduce the need for frequent fee reviews and safeguard access to quality education.
Describing the letter as an appeal for collaboration rather than confrontation, the union said it remains committed to constructive dialogue with the Polytechnic management and other stakeholders in pursuit of lasting solutions.
The students’ leaders expressed optimism that the Ogun State Government would strengthen its investment in public tertiary education, noting that sustained intervention would not only enhance institutional development but also ensure that no qualified student is denied education because of financial hardship.
