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The Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) has faulted a report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that the management of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, charges students 50,000 naira for the issuance of certificates, describing the figure as misleading and calling for responsible journalism.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Danesi Momoh, and National Secretary, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta; a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group maintained that the actual certificate fee is 25,000 naira, while an additional 10,000 naira charged for a brochure is optional.
EUYI questioned how Sahara Reporters arrived at the alleged 50,000 naira fee, describing the discrepancy as troubling and capable of generating unnecessary tension between students and the management of Auchi Polytechnic.
“How Sahara Reporters arrived at 50,000 naira when the actual certificate fee including the optional brochure fee amounts to only 35,000 naira is very strange and smacks of journalistic mischief,” the statement declared.
The group noted that although students and parents have legitimate concerns about the affordability of educational services, public discussions and protests over institutional charges should be based on accurate and verifiable information.
It urged Sahara Reporters to investigate the figures, obtain clarification from the institution’s management and publish a correction where necessary to pacify the Polytechnic community as a way of averting anarchy and breakdown of law and order.
According to the statement, “the speed of publication should never take precedence over accuracy. A report that contains an incorrect figure can mislead readers, damage reputations and create avoidable disputes between institutions and their stakeholders.”
EUYI also called on the management of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, to ensure transparency in communicating approved fees in a timely manner to students and other stakeholders to prevent misinformation and unnecessary controversy which could escalate into civil unrest on campus.
While acknowledging the media’s role in promoting accountability, the group stressed that journalists “must uphold professional standards by verifying allegations, seeking responses from affected parties and correcting inaccuracies promptly” .
It further urged students, parents and civil society organisations to exercise restraint and avoid drawing conclusions from unverified reports, stating further that, its position was not intended to discourage legitimate student grievances or shield educational institutions from public scrutiny, but to promote fairness, accuracy and constructive engagement.
Reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment, educational development and institutional accountability, the CSO called on all stakeholders ” to prioritise truth and responsible public discourse in addressing the controversy”.
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