The students noted that the poor conditions of the hostels caused infections, illnesses, irritation, and cholera among others, despite the hefty fee of N50,000 that was paid.
In the early hours of Monday, hundreds of students from the Federal College of Education, Akoka, Lagos, staged a protest over dilapidated infrastructure and poor students welfare.
The students under the umbrella of the Student Union Government lamented the lack of medical facilities, certificates, sports amenities, and hostels.
They pointed out that students had been paying for the services year after year but were not receiving the value for what they were paying.
In a letter addressed to the school management and obtained by SaharaReporters, it was pointed out that students had been paying for the services year after year but were not receiving the value for their payments.
The letter read, "We write regarding the ongoing issue in the college and thought it best to make our voices heard after several failed attempts. We are much displeased with college management over several issues and as such, the above-named body writes to the council to make the following demands as it affects the student’s welfare at large.
"Poor Hostel Facilities and Infrastructure; The male and female hostels are more like abandoned slums. The school management is to renovate the hostels through the Dean of Student Affairs but instead, they imposed a compulsory buying of potties for the students at large.
"The Hostels 2 to 5 lack basic amenities for habitation. These buildings lack electrical appliances which include (electrical wires, sockets, fans), good functioning toilets, good water tanks, and habitable environments.
The students noted that the poor conditions of the hostels caused infections, illnesses, irritation, and cholera among others, despite the hefty fee of N50,000 that was paid.
They added that, even after paying hostel fees, the hostel remained closed until the academic calendar begins, which has exposed students to security risks.
"Academic Concerns: Compulsorily, all students pay for CevTED which is a vocational course, we pay a sum of N5000(Yr1), N7500(Yr2), and N4000(Yr3) and yet we are asked to buy the materials for practicals with our money.
"Over 100 students have missed their first semester exams due to the non-payment of the CevTED fee, despite having completed their school fees and all necessary registration, which are prerequisites for writing examinations. Meanwhile, CevTED is a zero-unit course."
"Inadequate classroom facilities; The existing classroom facilities are in a dilapidated state. The classrooms lack whiteboards, fans, light bulbs etc. there by causing an unconducive learning environment but are essential for effective learning.
"Accessibility of Classroom spots for DLP Students; The Distance Learning Program students, currently do not have accessible classrooms to receive lectures on weekends of which leads to bad learning process.
"Home Economics Residence Apartment: The Home Economics building that was built and sponsored by TETFUND is being occupied by the college provost as referred to as “PROVOST LODGE”.
Issuance of Results and Certificates for NCE and Degree Students (UNIBEN): Students have struggled to obtain their results and certificates upon completing their programs.
The Student Union stated that for the past four years, NCE students have not been able to collect their certificates, which are reportedly on the provost's desk.
"Poor Medical Facilities; The medical facilities have over the years been ignored and have degraded in service to the students to the extent that students are afraid of going there to avoid medical mishap. In respect to this, all student pays a sum of ₦10,000 For medical facilities.
"Also, the DLP students are not recognized at the medical center meanwhile they are paying for the services. Furthermore, students are required to purchase their medications, including first aid materials before medication can be given to students.
Sports activities, which are core to students’ extracurricular activities, are in extremely poor condition. The school pitch is a kinetic pitch, designed to generate electrical energy during sporting activities, such as football matches.
They alleged that the energy generated is capable of providing electricity to the hostels but has not been functioning due to its poor state. This has led to serious injuries sustained by the students. Despite paying for these amenities, the management has decided not to give them the value for what they paid.
According to them, the S.U.G building sponsored by TETFUND was handed over to the union body empty. It lacks essential facilities necessary for the smooth running of the office, such as office furniture and equipment.
"The SUG bus was given to the student body by the Lagos State Government for the mobilization of students for activities within and outside the college. The college management's decision not to release the bus to the student body has led to the deterioration of the bus, as the key has remained with the college management for the past two sessions.
"The battery of the bus was taken by the college management, also we have received several appeals from the provost that the school management will repair the SUG bus or it will be swapped for a coaster bus in return, but up-till date nothing has been done by the management," the student union said.
When SaharaReporters contacted Mr Dada Afolabi, the Registrar of the Federal College of Education, he responded, "Sorry, I don't know what you are talking about. Maybe later, please."