Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, have expressed relief over the recent decision of the institution to stop direct sale of textbooks to them.

There are allegations that lecturers in institutions of higher learning extort students through direct sale of educational materials.

Many students reportedly fail certain courses repeatedly because some lecturers allegedly award high marks to students who buy their materials, leaving those who cannot afford them to compete unfavourably.

But on March 18, the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, announced a ban on direct sale of these materials to students of the institution and warned that any erring lecturer will face disciplinary measures.

The rector issued the warning in her office, when the executive of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution, led by the union’s president, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, paid a courtesy visit to her.

She reiterated that the only channel permitted for the sale of textbooks in the institution is the polytechnic bookshop, warning that lecturers who bypass the bookshop to sell textbooks directly to students will not go scot-free.

The school boss stated that she is yet to receive any official petition about direct sale of textbooks by any lecturer to students but made it clear that any petition to that effect will not be taken lightly.

The rector further abolished the appointment of Course Representatives (Course Reps) by lecturers for the sale of textbooks and warned that henceforth, any student who parades himself as a course representative will face disciplinary action.

She, however, stated that only “Class Reps” are allowed in departments but warned that any Class Rep who extorts a fellow student will equally face disciplinary action.

Some students of the polytechnic, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune on the development, eulogised the Rector’s interest in the affairs of students of the institution.

In an interview, the SUG president of the polytechnic, Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu, fondly called ‘Ancestor’, commended the rector “for thinking and acting like a mother.”

The SUG president said: “What problem our amiable rector cannot solve for students is what is not brought to her knowledge. Since she assumed office, there was never any problem brought to her notice that is not tackled with the needed urgency.

“We also commend her for her courage in banning direct sale of academic materials to students. Only people who do not attend higher institutions will not understand what indigent students go through because many lecturers make it compulsory that students must buy their textbooks. Those who do not buy such textbooks fail such courses after exams. This step by the rector comes as a relief to all of us in this school.”

A student, who gave her name as Anita, from the Department of Accountancy, also spoke with our correspondent on the development.

Also in an interview, Anita praised the Rector, saying that forceful sale and purchase of textbooks in higher institutions are major problems students contend with, and added that with the Rector’s directive, students will heave a sigh of relief in one area of their academic pursuit.

Another student from the Department of Environmental Design, who pleaded anonymity for personal reasons, said that Dr. Awuzie has been part of the institution and understands all issues confronting students.

He said, “I am not surprised by many innovative changes the Rector is introducing in the school. She has been part of the system over the years. She had a successful career here, from lecturer to director, now to rector. She understands everything about this institution. So, whenever she takes any positive decision, it does not surprise me.” (Nigerian Tribune)