The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to shut down academic and administrative activities at Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, unless an independent investigation is launched into allegations of administrative lapses, poor infrastructure and financial mismanagement at the institution.
The association issued a seven-day ultimatum to relevant regulatory and anti-corruption agencies, demanding a comprehensive forensic audit of the polytechnic. It warned that its national leadership would relocate to the campus to pursue its demands if no action was taken within the stipulated period.
In a statement signed by its President, Babatunde Akinteye, NANS alleged that the institution was grappling with deep-rooted challenges capable of undermining the quality of tertiary education and weakening public confidence in the polytechnic system.
The students’ body explained that its position was not aimed at any individual but was intended to protect academic standards, students’ welfare and the integrity of the institution.
According to NANS, students have continued to experience academic setbacks due to inadequate teaching, repeated collection of levies and administrative inefficiencies.
The association also faulted the conduct of the institution’s recent Computer-Based Test (CBT), alleging that inadequate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities forced many students to use their personal mobile phones for examinations, leading to congestion and technical difficulties.
It said the development exposed significant gaps in the institution’s digital infrastructure and raised questions over the utilisation of intervention funds earmarked for ICT development.
Consequently, NANS called on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to carry out a thorough audit of projects executed with intervention funds at the institution.
The association also urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to investigate the allegations.
NANS further expressed concern over the delay in the mobilisation of some graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), attributing the situation to alleged administrative shortcomings in the processing and uploading of students’ records.
The association warned that if independent investigations were not initiated within seven days, it would mobilise students across the country for peaceful protests and disrupt administrative activities at the institution until its demands were met.
It also cautioned the management of the polytechnic against victimising students or whistleblowers over the allegations, insisting that those who raise concerns should not face intimidation or disciplinary measures.
NANS maintained that the call for an independent investigation was aimed at restoring confidence in the institution and strengthening the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria.
