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LASPOTECH students lament lack of hostel facilities, irregular classes
Students of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Isolo campus, have lamented how the institution’s lack of hostels on campus is affecting their finances and studies.
They also complained about the irregularity of lectures for months after resumption, as well as what they called irrelevant rules they have to obey.
The polytechnic, like other Lagos State-owned tertiary institutions, does not have hostels on campuses – though the government has started building an 8,000-bed hostel at the Lagos State University (LASU).
The LASPOTECH Isolo campus has both part-time and full-time students. The full time programme however has only two departments (Office Technology Management and Accounting); the rest are at the institution’s main campus in Ikorodu.
Presently, the full-time students in National Diploma [ND] 1; Higher National Diploma [HND] I and HND II classes are wrapping up their first semester examinations while ND II students are scheduled to begin their examinations on August 23.
The part- time students on the other hand, are in their second semester which is scheduled to end next month according to the institution’s academic calendar. However, they are bearing the brunt of the ongoing examinations which they lamented had affected their classes. They said their classes have not been regular despite resuming over five weeks ago.
Nevertheless they are scheduled to write their examination next month. Besides selling of text books, the part-time students said little is going on. As a result, they have been reluctant about coming to school. They said they come anytime they feel like.
“Lecturers have not been coming for classes, most of us just come to take attendance and go,” said two part-time students of Mass Communication who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity.
Out of about 350 students in the class, the duo said only a few attend lectures – which they said was a disservice to students who cannot comprehend just by studying on their own.
“As for both of us, we understand better when they teach us. What helps us most is the night class tutorials we attend before the exams. We pay for those classes, at least N300. But it still better than failing and getting carry overs,” they said.
While part-time students worry about irregular classes, the full-time students are concerned about the high cost of rent in the Isolo area.
“There is no hostel inside this school – maybe because the space is not big enough – but it has forced most of us to rent lodges outside the school. And these lodges are not small money – over N100,000 depending on the size of the lodge,” said a student who simply called herself Shola.
Another student, Mariam, said with no hostels on campus, the students are dispersed all over the community making it hard to come together to study outside the campus.
The students also lamented the financial burden that followed the attendant increase in the price of foodstuffs, electricity bill and water. They said that if the school had hostels, they would not have to spend a lot on transportation.
“All these are finishing our money,” they said. Shola added: “If only this school can build hostels for students within the campus, it can help to reduce most of these financial problems.”
She is, however, optimistic that things would change once the remaining full-time departments are moved to the Ikorodu campus.
“We have hope since they are planning to move the last two full-time departments to the main campus at Ikorodu”.
For the part-time students who are not leaving Isolo campus anytime soon, they would have to contend with rules that they deem irrelevant.
The rules include: “No face cap, no shades, no ripped jeans, no sleeveless, no dreads for male students “ –which are considered as “normal clothing” by students in a campus setting.
They said that due to these new rules, their normal way of dressing changed, they now repeat clothes or buy more when not necessary.
However, Mariam and Shola do not think the rules are irrelevant. They both appreciated the school for its cleanliness and dedicated lecturers.
“The rules help to curb sexual harassment and indecent dressing. Face caps and shades can be used to conduct malpractice; and is a sign of disrespect to the school area,” they said. They both appreciated the school for its cleanliness and dedicated lecturers. Unlike the part timers, they also received lectures very often.
When asked about the lack of hostels, the Head of the institution’s Public Relations unit, Mr. Olarewaju Kuye, said: “Hostel is a government policy. But the plan to build is on for Ikorodu (campus),” he said.
Regarding the irregular lectures for part-time students, Kuye said they were yet to fully resume.
“For part-time students, they are yet to fully resume for second semester. It was not quite long they finished first semester exams,” she said.
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Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The rescue followed a distress call reporting that terrorists had invaded an ECWA Church in the community and abducted worshippers during the service.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Sunday, the Army said that upon receiving the information, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and, with the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, advanced in pursuit of the fleeing attackers.
The Army said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, overpowering them with superior firepower.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army, through a swift response, successfully foiled a terrorist attack, leading to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The swift response followed a distress call reporting the abduction of worshippers during an Easter service at an ECWA Church in Ariko Village. The troops, on receipt of the information, promptly mobilised to the scene. With the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, they advanced in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, overwhelming them with superior firepower.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention,” the statement partly read.
However, the army disclosed that troops also recovered the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists at the scene.
“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene. The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.
“Troops have since intensified pursuit operations to track the fleeing elements to their enclaves, with ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing any remaining captives and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement added.
The army said additional troops had been deployed to the area to reinforce ongoing operations, enhance security presence, and prevent further threats to lives and property.
“To consolidate the gains recorded, additional troops have been deployed to the area to reinforce ongoing operations, enhance security presence, and prevent further threats to lives and property.
“The Nigerian Army reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of citizens and the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders. Troops remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations against all threats to national security.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, as collective vigilance remains vital to achieving enduring peace and stability,” the statement concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan aimed at resolving long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector and boosting the reliability of electricity supply.
The plan addresses legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025 under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.
Following a comprehensive review, the government agreed on ₦3.3 trillion as a full and final settlement, ensuring transparency and fairness.
A statement issued on Sunday by the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that implementation of the repayment plan has already begun, with fifteen power plants already signed settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion.
The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment plan to finally settle the outstanding debts under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.
“The debt repayment plan followed the final review of the legacy debts that have beset the power sector for more than a decade.
“The long-standing debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025. Following verification, ₦3.3 trillion has been agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution.
“Implementation has begun, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has already raised ₦501 billion to fund these payments. Out of the amount, N223 billion has been disbursed, with further payments underway.
“What this means for Nigerians: With payments reaching the power value chain, generation will be more stable. With power plants supported, electricity reliability will improve.”
Commenting on the development, the Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, explained that the settlement would improve electricity reliability by stabilising the power value chain.
“This programme is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector — ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably,” she said.
The adviser added that the reforms are part of broader initiatives, including better metering and service-based tariffs that link consumer payments to the quality of electricity received.
Priority will also be given to supplying electricity to businesses, industries, and small enterprises to support job creation and economic growth.
“The goal is simple: more reliable power for homes, stronger support for businesses, and a system that works better for all Nigerians,” Arowolo-Verheijen said.
President Tinubu commended all stakeholders involved in resolving the legacy issues and confirmed that the next phase of the reforms, Series II, will commence this quarter.
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Easter : Senator Araraume urges Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, renewed hope, prays for Tinubu’s leadership
..…Says Christ’s resurrection symbolises Nigeria’s rising from challenges to glory
,,,,Commends President Tinubu’s bold reforms, calls for continued prayers
As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate Easter, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, has called on Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, and renewed hope which the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises.
In his Easter message, which he personally signed, the former governorship candidate of Imo State reflected on the profound significance of the season, describing Easter as a divine testament that no night lasts forever, and that after every crucifixion comes a glorious resurrection.
“Easter is not merely a festival; it is a spiritual declaration that darkness does not have the final word. As Christ rose triumphantly on the third day, I believe Nigeria, too, is rising from every challenge to meet her God-ordained destiny,” Araraume stated.
The APC chieftain used the occasion to offer fervent prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a courageous leader steering the ship of state through turbulent but necessary waters.
“I pray that the God who raised Christ from the dead will raise every help that President Tinubu needs to succeed. I pray for divine wisdom, physical strength, and uncommon protection over his life. Let no arrow of the wicked find its mark in his camp. May his labours for our nation yield fruits that generations yet unborn will celebrate,” Araraume prayed.
He further commended President Tinubu for his bold and far-reaching reforms, acknowledging that while the policies may demand present sacrifice from citizens, the long-term dividends will be peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
“Mr. President has shown that he has the heart of a reformer and the backbone of a statesman. These are not easy times, but great nations are forged in the furnace of difficult decisions. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of party or creed, to support this administration with patience and prayer,” the Senator added.
Senator Araraume also urged Nigerians to show love to one another, especially to the less privileged, the grieving, and the displaced, noting that the true essence of Easter is found in selfless giving and communal solidarity.
“Let us visit the orphanage, feed the hungry, and extend a hand to our neighbour in distress. That is the gospel in action. That is the Nigeria we must build together,” he said.
He wished all Christians a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Easter celebration.
Signed:
Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume
Chieftain, All Progressives Congress (APC)
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