By Adesola Ikulajolu
The students of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State on Wednesday protested the policy of the school’s management that disallowed students with outstanding tuition fee from taking the test.
Our Correspondent gathered that the Computer Based Test (CBT) for General Studies (GST) involving 100 Level and 200 Level was to hold from April 23rd to 24th, 2019.
Students without payment of tuition fee were not allowed to take the test at the centre.
Some of the affected students gathered at the CBT centre to show their grievances which gave rise to the protest.
While addressing the students, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Gbore said that the management would look into the matter and settle it.
Dean of students, Dr Owolewa Olusegun also explained that the issue was under control when complaints filled his office and had promised to look into it.
The Dean added that such policy of “No Tuition Fee No Examination” was never implemented by the management
“The management did not implement any policy of “No tuition no examination.” Immediately we saw the situation, we ordered that everyone should be allowed to take the test,” the Dean said.
While replying to the cause of the protest, the Dean explained that the Student Union leaders were out of place and adequate information did not follow.
He maintained that students who laid complaints had been asked to take the test.
“We visited the GST unit and ensured that every affected student was attended to. We asked all of them to write. The Management did not give Instructions for No Test No Examination. The Management still gave chances to pay till April 30. Why will the Management changed its decision so quickly,” Dr. Owolewa queried.
Meanwhile, the school in a circular has given three weeks mid-semester break till May 20.
The circular read in part:
“The Management of Adekunke Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, has approved a Mid-Semester break for all students of the University.”
“All students of the University are, therefore, advised to proceed on the Mid-Semester break with immediate effect.”
It added that Students are to resume to campus on Monday, May 20, 2019.
DVC Prof. Gbore while speaking at the venue of the protest said the break is to address the issue and meet with necessary quarters.
Some of the students expressed their displeasure over the incident.
A student of Political Sciences who spoke under anonymity said, “This is much uncalled for. Why students should be asked not to write an ordinary test when it is not an examination. We should not have this kind of case.”
Another student who did not want to disclose her identity said” the school should not have used this kind of policy. The tuition fee is high and there is no way students can pay so quickly.”
Others who spoke under anonymity also maintained that the school management made a mistake for such policy which is the cause of the protest.
However, students were seen blocking the school main gate and major federal roads while the Police and Army intervened.
It could be reported that there was a total shutdown and no vehicular movement until the Security Officers intervened.
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