The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, demanding an immediate reversal of alleged increases in institutional charges and greater transparency in the institution’s financial dealings.
The ultimatum follows complaints from students over the introduction of additional charges, inadequate consultation with student representatives and concerns surrounding the administration of funds disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
In a statement signed by its Southwest Coordinator, Comrade Josiah Adeyemo, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, NANS accused the institution’s management, led by Rector, Engr. Dr. Temitope John Alake, of imposing additional financial burdens on students without adequate engagement with recognised student leadership.
The association described the development as an act of administrative insensitivity, insisting that students and their families should not be subjected to unexpected financial obligations without proper consultation.
NANS particularly expressed concern over students who had applied for or received NELFUND support based on the institution’s previous fee structure. According to the association, introducing new compulsory charges after loan applications or approvals could undermine the purpose of the student loan scheme and create financial difficulties for beneficiaries.
It consequently demanded a transparent account of institutional payments received through NELFUND and an explanation of how affected students would be protected, including the possibility of refunds where necessary.
The student body also faulted the management’s handling of an alleged invitation to meet with the leadership of the Students’ Union and NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ekiti Axis.
According to the association, management claimed to have sent an invitation at 10:46 a.m. for a meeting scheduled for 12 noon on October 29. However, the JCC leadership reportedly maintained that neither its chairman nor general secretary received the invitation.
NANS argued that the short notice was insufficient for meaningful engagement and warned against portraying the students’ representatives as unwilling to dialogue.
Among its demands, the association is asking the polytechnic management to:
Related News:
NANS criticise inadequate electricity supply
NANS Demands Urgent Rescue of Abducted Ogun Polytechnic Students
NANS Mobilises Protest Over Remand of Former FUOYE SUG President
- Reverse the disputed increase and restore the previous institutional charges.
- Correct affected payment invoices and online registration portals.
- Organise a properly communicated meeting with recognised student representatives.
- Publish a detailed breakdown of the previous and revised charges, including relevant approvals.
- Provide a comprehensive reconciliation of NELFUND payments received and their utilisation.
- Suspend penalties and registration restrictions linked to the disputed charges while the matter is being resolved.
Beyond the fee controversy, NANS demanded accountability over the Federal Government’s Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund, which reportedly listed the institution as a beneficiary of ₦241.02 million.
The association called for documentary evidence of the allocation and actual funds received, alongside details of approved projects, expenditure, implementation timelines and the current status of the projects.
To ensure proper monitoring, NANS said it had directed its Ekiti JCC to establish a Campus Funds and Projects Monitoring Committee in collaboration with the Students’ Union. The committee is expected to examine relevant financial records, inspect projects and facilities, and submit its findings to the Southwest leadership.
NANS warned that failure by the management to address its demands within 72 hours would trigger sustained, peaceful and lawful mass action, with the association relocating its operational headquarters to the institution’s main gate.
It also cautioned against the intimidation or victimisation of students and their representatives for speaking up about issues affecting their welfare.
The association called on the Governing Council of the polytechnic, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and NELFUND to urgently intervene.
NANS maintained that the responsibility for resolving the crisis rests with the institution’s management and urged the Rector to address the students’ concerns before the situation escalates.
As the 72-hour ultimatum takes effect, attention is now on the polytechnic’s management and whether it will meet the students’ demands to prevent a possible protest.
About the Author
