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The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, recently held a meeting with the management of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, to discuss the need to improve students’ welfare and resolve outstanding issues affecting students of the institution.
The meeting was attended by NANS delegates, the polytechnic’s management led by the Rector, Mr. Kehinde Alabi, President of the Students’ Union Government, and NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC), Osun State, led by its interim chairman, and other student leaders.
In his address, Azeez commended the SUG president of the polytechnic for standing firm without compromise or objection to the position of the apex body and also lauded the rector for embracing the path of dialogue as well as his swift response towards addressing the demands of the students.
He reminded the rector that he has been tested with power, and that history will remember what he did with it, adding, “the way you wield this power today will either recommend you for greater responsibilities or stand in your way.
“As a President who is close to the students, and before making a public statement on the happenings in your institution concerning students’ welfare, I carried out verifications and make enquiries from students, their leaders, and individuals who are directly affected by the current situation.
“Our issues with you are not personal; rather, they are part of our advocacy for the improved welfare of students, who are, without doubt, the major stakeholders of this institution, “he stated.
Azeez used the opportunity to appreciate the rector for his fatherly role and for making move towards forging a pact that prioritises the welfare of the students.
The NANS president also addressed the 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 Students’ Union Building (SUB), and the welfare of the students.
Speaking on the institution’s ICT facilities, Azeez expressed concern over reports that the campus Internet service is not functional. He noted that available information also indicates that the institution’s ICT infrastructure requires improvement to meet the standard for a 21st-century learning environment.
While reaffirming his support for technological advancement in the education sector, Azeez maintained that innovation must improve the learning experience rather than create additional burdens for students.
Addressing the implementation of the Computer-Based Examination (CBE) system, the president observed that the challenges associated with the exercise have generated widespread dissatisfaction among students due to the inefficiency of the facilities.
He called on the management of the institution to urgently address the shortcomings by upgrading the ICT infrastructure and putting in place a standard, functional system capable of supporting seamless computer-based examinations and other digital learning services.
The NANS president commended the rector for providing the students’ union with mobility to enhance its operations.
On the proposed renovation of the Students’ Union Building (SUB), the president appealed to the management to expedite action on the project, noting that completing the renovation within a few weeks, rather than the initially projected months, would better serve the interests of the students.
He further urged the management to continue prioritizing the welfare and wellbeing of students in all its policies and decisions.
In his response, the Rector, Mr. Alabi commended the NANS President for embracing dialogue and constructive engagement.
Alabi assured the delegation that the issues raised would receive prompt attention, emphasizing that his administration remains committed to the progress of the institution and the welfare of its students. He further reaffirmed his commitment to improving the institution’s standards.
