The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC), Ondo State Axis, Comrade Adekanye Mayomi Adeboye, has appealed to the Management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), to consider the concerns of students over registration-related charges and other issues affecting them.
Comrade Adeboye made the appeal when he led a delegation of student leaders on a visit to the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Olorunwa Sunday Lawson, at his office.
The visit provided an opportunity for the NANS JCC leadership to present concerns affecting students, particularly issues surrounding registration, late-registration penalties and other charges.
Responding to the issues raised, the Acting Registrar explained that Management had continued to show consideration towards students in the area of school fees and other institutional charges, while also noting the need for the Polytechnic to generate adequate resources to meet its financial obligations and provide essential services.
He encouraged students experiencing financial difficulties to take advantage of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and other available support mechanisms for which they may be eligible.
On late registration, the Acting Registrar explained that the associated penalties would not arise where students completed their registration within the stipulated period. He noted that students had been given sufficient time to meet the relevant obligations and encouraged them to take registration deadlines seriously.
He further stressed that timely registration was important to students’ academic progression and the maintenance of accurate institutional records, noting that Management had on several occasions granted concessions following appeals from student leaders.
Addressing the student representatives, the Acting Rector emphasised the importance of completing all registration requirements within the approved period.
He explained that registration confers formal student status and enables the institution to properly account for students within its academic and administrative systems.
The Acting Rector also expressed concern about students who, despite the availability of the Polytechnic’s online portal for payments and other transactions, still patronise intermediaries popularly referred to as “onliners”.
He said the portal was developed to simplify transactions and enable students to make payments and access relevant services from anywhere, urging students to make better use of the system.
On the Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) programme, the Acting Rector explained that its implementation was based on directives and requirements of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), making compliance necessary for the institution and students.
He also appealed to the student leadership to assist Management in educating students on their academic and administrative responsibilities, particularly the importance of timely registration and compliance with institutional requirements.
Also speaking, the Director of Students Affairs, Mr. Bayo Elebute, highlighted some of the consequences that could arise from incomplete registration and failure to meet academic requirements.
He cited the case of a student who was expected to have graduated in 2023 but had yet to complete the necessary registration. He also noted that some students had encountered difficulties during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation process because they had not fulfilled the required period of Industrial Training.
The Director therefore urged the NANS JCC and Students’ Union Government (SUG) leadership to intensify student orientation and enlightenment on registration, Industrial Training and other academic requirements.
In his contribution, the SUG President, Comrade Onile Olaniyi, appealed to Management to reconsider the additional financial burden associated with late registration.
While acknowledging that some students might have failed to meet their obligations within the stipulated period, he noted that some students could also be affected by financial and other genuine challenges.
Comrade Onile specifically appealed to Management to review the additional ₦5,000 monthly charge attached to late registration, suggesting that the applicable late-registration fee should constitute the major penalty.
The NANS JCC Chairman similarly appealed to Management to consider limiting the financial burden on students to the applicable late-registration charge.
Comrade Adeboye acknowledged the financial responsibilities involved in running a tertiary institution, noting that the Polytechnic needed resources to provide essential services and sustain its operations. He, however, urged Management to take students’ circumstances into consideration when administering penalties.
He stressed the need to distinguish between students who deliberately disregard institutional requirements and those who may be experiencing genuine difficulties.
He also urged the SUG leadership to take greater responsibility for student orientation and enlightenment, particularly on registration deadlines, financial obligations and the consequences of non-compliance.
He further encouraged students facing financial difficulties to explore NELFUND and other available avenues of support.
Responding to the appeals, the Acting Rector assured the student leaders that Management would look into the matter, while reiterating the importance of timely compliance with registration requirements to avoid the imposition of penalties.
The meeting ended with a call for continued dialogue and cooperation between Management and student leaders towards addressing student-related concerns and promoting a stable academic environment.
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