In 2019, as I stepped foot on the soil of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, for my Higher National Diploma, I felt like the happiest guy on earth. It was a homecoming for me to experience education in my state. The beautiful campus entrance gave me goosebumps, and the motto "Excellence In Character and Technology" reignited my spirit of determination. I told myself I wanted to do things differently here.
Like every new student, I started my journey strongly, focusing on what mattered and ignoring what didn't. I adapted to every situation along the way. The turning point came during my first Continuous Assessment Test. I could hear a voice loudly within the four walls of PLT1: 'If you don't have the handout, you should leave the class,' Oga said. I couldn't immediately figure out what was going on. We all moved out, and surprisingly, the majority were students who hadn't completed their National Diploma at OSPOLY. It was strange! I kept laughing, but before I knew it, the test was done and dusted. Our last hope was the exam. On several occasions, they rejected our assignments simply because we hadn't bought the course materials. It was a painful experience, to be honest. I don't want to dwell on it too much.
At exactly 1:55 PM on July 18th, 2024, a message was dropped at the OSPOLY Parrot newsroom by one of my team members, stating: "Ban on the sale of handouts/teaching materials/practical manuals, money or sex for marks, and any form of extortion of students and ex-students still in existence - Management warns staff." I was initially uncertain about the author of that statement until I learned it was Mr. Olukayode Ayinde, who posted it. My team member further sought clarification from him, which he provided without hesitation. If you're reading this, thank you for always responding to us. We appreciate you for not treating my colleagues like someone (whose name I won't mention) who always saw campus journalists as a threat during my time on campus.
Now, let's address the real issue. Banning OSPOLY staff from selling handouts, teaching materials, and practical manuals to students is a good decision, but it could remain a daydream unless all the necessary details are carefully worked out. I vividly recall during my National Diploma how a lecturer was dismissed and another demoted for threatening to fail students if they didn't purchase their course materials. The question that arises in my mind is: How do students report such issues? Is there provision for anonymous reporting of illegal extortion by staff? If such provisions do not exist, then these decisions are not ready for implementation. As students, none of us wants to be a scapegoat in the hands of some of our lecturers, as we've known even before leaving the institution.
On August 12th, 2023, I witnessed a scenario at our great Alma Mater (OSPOLY) that nearly brought tears to my eyes. I could see the frustration in the eyes of a staff member at the admissions office. He was lamenting how a staff member could collect money for a scratch card from students, only for the school to announce when releasing final results that such students had submitted used NECO/WAEC cards. The person I'm referring to said something I'll never forget: 'I wish I had the power to change this nonsense, but since I haven't found another job and have no Plan B, I have to hold back my comments, lest they use politics to end my career.' This is the situation in many of our higher institutions today. Few things can actually be implemented when you have to protect your job at all costs.
I commend the Ospoly Management for their decision to end the era of illegal and unapproved fees in the Institution. While I refrain from elaborating on individuals who have turned academic activities into a business, I acknowledge that this issue persists nationwide. My love for my institution compels me to address this in a constructive manner.
Following the announcement of the ban on illegal activities, handouts, and teaching materials, both current and former students have shared their views. I empathize with their concerns, as many doubt the implementation's effectiveness. I've spoken to over twenty students from various departments, and their feedback has been consistent: they believe the announcement will remain mere words on paper. I understand their perspective which is not a secret.
To ensure the implementation's success, I recommend the following to the management:
- Strict enforcement with severe penalties for defaulters
- Regular engagement with students, allowing them to speak freely without fear of intimidation
- Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation process at faculty and department levels
- Provision of student complaint boxes across all departments, handled by an investigative panel to uncover truths
To this end, despite facing challenges and delayed justice for my colleagues, my love for my Institution continues to grow. I remain committed to its progress. God bless Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.
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This is just the tip of the iceberg; the real opinion article is coming soon.
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Thomas Abidoye
a journalist
writing from Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
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