The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS, led a high-powered delegation of the Association to a strategic meeting with the management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, to discuss the need to improve student welfare and resolve the imbroglio that arose between the NANS leadership and the institution's management following recent outcries by students.

The meeting was attended by the NANS delegation, the institution's management team led by the Rector, Mr. Kehinde Alabi, the Students' Union Government led by its President, and the NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC), Osun State, led by its Interim Chairman, alongside other student leaders.

In his address, the NANS President commended the SUG President of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, for standing firm without compromise, while appreciating the Rector for embracing dialogue and responding swiftly to address student demands.

"There is a popular maxim by Abraham Lincoln that says, 'Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.' Mr. Rector, you have been tested with power, and history will remember what you do with it. The way you wield this power today will either recommend you for greater responsibilities or stand in your way. I am a President who is close to the students, and before making a public statement on the happenings in your institution, I carried out my verifications. Our issues are not personal; rather, they are part of our advocacy for the improved welfare of our students, who are the major stakeholders of this institution." — Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS

The NANS President addressed longstanding challenges affecting the institution, particularly the non-functional internet facility, the recently introduced Computer-Based Examination (CBE) system, Students' Union mobility, the need for a befitting Students' Union Building (SUB), and overall student welfare.

Speaking on the ICT facilities, the President expressed serious concern over reports that the campus internet service is not functional, noting that current infrastructure falls far below the standard required for a 21st-century learning environment despite students being charged for the service.

  1. Value for Fee Payments: The President stressed that it is unfair to compel students to pay for services when the necessary infrastructure is not in place to deliver value, especially given current economic realities.
  2. Technological Advancement: While reaffirming support for digital learning, NANS emphasized that innovations must enhance the student experience rather than cause discomfort or academic disruption.
  3. CBE System Fixes: NANS called on management to urgently upgrade ICT infrastructure to support seamless, efficient computer-based examinations and digital services without system failures.

On union mobility, the NANS President commended the Rector for providing the Students' Union with official mobility to enhance its campus operations.

Addressing the proposed renovation of the Students' Union Building (SUB), the President appealed to management to expedite the project within a few weeks rather than the initially projected months to better serve student interests.

In his response, Rector Mr. Kehinde Alabi commended the NANS President for embracing constructive dialogue and assured the delegation that all issues raised would receive prompt attention, reaffirming his administration's commitment to advancing institutional standards and student welfare.

Signed:

Geo. Ogunjimi Tolulope James

Chief Press Secretary to the President

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)