The recent rustication of 12 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State has been strongly condemned by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS).
In a statement, NAPS accused the Rector, Dr Sanni Yahaya, of tyranny and a lack of commitment to the welfare and progress of the students. The association demanded his immediate removal.
During a national meeting at Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, NAPS’ Vice President on Special Duties, Kazeem Ajewole, made the call for the Rector’s dismissal.
These students were reportedly dismissed for leading a protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Describing the school management’s actions as unjust, NAPS labeled it a “miscarriage of justice” that must be challenged.
According to the statement, “The leadership of NAPS strongly condemns the unjust rustication of the students by the Rector, most especially owing to the circumstances that surround their rustication.
“This act is a miscarriage of justice, inhuman and detrimental to the progress of the affected students, and a setback to education in our country at large.
“The Rector’s decision has not only affected the students’ morale but also weakened their focus on their academic careers.”
Asserting that the students’ rustication reflects the Rector’s disregard for due process and student welfare, NAPS claimed to have evidence of other inhumane policies implemented by him.
NAPS demanded “the immediate sack of the Rector for his gross misconduct and inhumane treatment of students, immediate reversal of the rustication of the affected students, implementation of a fair and transparent disciplinary process, as well as the establishment of a student welfare committee to protect students’ rights.
“If our demands are not met within two weeks, we will be forced to take drastic measures, including shutting down the institution and organizing a peaceful protest until our demands are met by the Federal Ministry of Education, FCT, Abuja, among others.”
The National Association of Nigerian Students, through its Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, also condemned the students’ rustication. They expressed that the affected students were unjustly punished for exercising their constitutional rights.