By: Ajayi Toyyib Olabamiji and Adeniji Sodiq Ademola
In a closed door meeting held on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, at the NASTES Library, the Computer Science Department of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the Forum of Presidents of the institution convened to address pressing students matters. The meeting, organized by the Forum of Presidents, saw the participation of the Dean of Students Affairs, Mr. Makinde John.
Mr. Makinde John opened the meeting by commenting on its informal nature, though it was setup in order to discuss and resolve important issues pertaining to students. The pending Students’ Union Elections led to concerns being raised about the institution’s need for Consultants’ approval for expenditures. The Dean assured a proactive approach to address the situation and promised to oversee the upcoming Students’ Union Government (SUG) election.
Students facing late registration and school fees payment penalties for two semesters were also advised by the Dean to write a letter to the management through the Dean of Students Affairs to pay the penalty fee only once, though this won’t immediately reflect on the portal. While the Dean was emphasizing on timely action of students on registration, the Dean urged students to adhere to deadlines for optimal result processing, especially for the current and outgoing final year students, and he further noted that the current and outgoing set are lucky and that they would not have any issue whatsoever regarding result posting.
The issue of the impending late registration fee starting on December 1st was raised and discussed, with the Dean expressing concern over low number of registered students. He promised to plead for extension. The Dean warned against using unauthorized cyber cafes for course form registration and recommended using designated centres within the institution, that is the institution’s ICT center, VSESC, Poly Venture and the Faculty of Financial Management Studies.
While stressing the residential nature of the institution, the Dean clarified that hostel accommodation is compulsory for freshers who have paid the acceptance fee. He further stressed that hostels are still very much available for students to fill. The Dean also noted that Psychometry, introduced by NBTE, is beyond the institution’s control.
Addressing electricity blackout issues, the Dean suggested that the only way the institution can stop this is by switching to the prepaid option to reduce cost, explaining the current 2-hour night and occasional 1-hour morning schedule as a temporary measure. Acknowledging limitations in the institution health center, the Dean proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) scheme to improve healthcare services, contingent on the agreement of the Presidents.
The Dean stated the institution’s plan to hold a Computer Based Test for students of the institution, with the Dean stating that unregistered students won’t be eligible to participate in the process. The outcome of the meeting shed light on the commitment of the Presidents body and management to navigate challenges and enhance the overall experience of students in the institution.
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