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₦320,000 Budget, ‘Okun Ifami’ Bags: What Really Happened to the Freshers' Package.


By Wonuola Mould and Akintunde Segun, Public Voice News Agency

Debate erupts over quality, spending, and transparency in freshers’ orientation items.

At the most recent parliamentary sitting of the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS), the President's report on the freshers’ package took center stage, with lawmakers raising concerns over quality, spending, and decision-making.

The President opened the report by noting that the ₦320,000 originally budgeted for the freshers’ gift had to be reduced to ₦270,000 due to limited funds. He explained that market prices had gone up, but the fee collected from students had not increased.

However, this explanation didn’t fully sit well with members of the House.

A representative from the Part One constituency questioned the quality of the tote bags given to freshers, asking if the money collected during registration was spent only on the package.

The President replied that the registration fee covered all orientation activities, not just the package. He also stated that students from other departments admired the tote bags, which came with custom stickers.

But Hon. Rachael (Part Two) reported that many students in her constituency were unhappy with the bags, calling them “Okun Ifami,” a slang term for items considered substandard. She also expressed frustration that House members were not informed about the change in the budget.

Justice Joel supported her concern, saying the President should have consulted more widely before making final decisions. The Speaker clarified that the House was presented with two package options earlier: a crest, a wristband, or a notebook. He further explained that the ₦2,500 due for Stalites was broken down into ₦1,000 for the package, ₦500 for admin charges, and ₦1,000 for the DSA.

Hon. Salvation added that freshers were still waiting for their departmental handbooks. The President assured the House that they would be given out if and when the department decides to release them.

The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) commended the President’s effort but criticized the lack of samples before production. He also raised concerns about making the crest compulsory for stalites (returning students) without offering choices.

Hon. Esther (Part Two) said the crest wasn’t useful and suggested items like notebooks would’ve been better.

Hon. Slade asked whether samples were seen before bulk production, and said a student congress should have been called to make such a big decision.

The discussions showed that while the executive aimed to manage costs, many lawmakers believe more communication and better choices could have improved the outcome.

As NAPAS continues to serve its students, members of the House are making it clear: quality and transparency can’t be compromised.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 12, 2025 at 8:29 AM

    I see no reason, why they cut down the initial budget to produce inferior materials, the executives should be probed. (Vibrant student no dey napas againn)
    Communicate what exactly, that they plan to give out low quality tote bags or plan to give out crest, CREST for what ?
    Whom among the honourables and executives have been using their crest everyday.

    ReplyDelete

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