The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic in Ede, Osun State, has formed an ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the expulsion of 27 students and the suspension of eight others from the institution.
Prof. Taiwo Olaiya, chairman of the institution’s governing council, made the announcement during the council’s inaugural meeting in Ede.
The institution’s management announced on July 27 the expulsion of 27 students and the suspension of eight others for their actions in the May 9 violent protest at the polytechnic.
Some students protested against the arrest of their colleagues by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Owode, a community near the institution.
During the protest, students attacked the polytechnic’s staff club and damaged several vehicles.
Mr Olaiya denounced the protest and stated that the affected students would be given “another chance” to defend themselves before the committee.
He stated that the committee was given 48 hours to complete its assignment and report back to the council for appropriate action.
He said, “The violent protest is condemnable and never should be encouraged anywhere. The right to protest is human right but to vandalise property during a protest is not guaranteed anywhere and cannot be justified. The affected students alleged that due process were not followed, while some said they were not part of the protest and that is why we are giving them another chance before the committee.’’
Speaking on other council decisions, Mr Olaiya stated that the institution’s vacant principal positions will be filled, and that pending promotions of staff owing to the absence of the governing council had been confirmed.
He also stated that the council would guarantee that all ongoing projects in the institution were completed as soon as possible to ensure smooth academic learning, while new ones would be begun to further the polytechnic’s development.
Mr Olaiya also stated that the council would put in place the necessary measures to enable the institution’s seamless move to its permanent site.
Mr Olaiya spoke about the council’s aim, stating that members of the governing body will ensure a rancour-free polytechnic where peace and development would prevail.
“We recognise the fact that without peace, there cannot be progress and since peace is our watchword, we are going to do everything within our disposal to ensure we achieve peace,” he said.
Mr Olaiya also said that the council would ensure that laws and regulations were strictly followed in the polytechnic.
“Anywhere laws and regulations are followed, there will be peace naturally, because laws are detailed towards smooth running and peaceful coexistence within a particular society.
“We are going to be a council that will leave behind an institution where laws and regulations are obeyed and observed to the letter,” he said.
Mr Olaiya expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for considering them worthy of a council appointment and pledged to do everything in their power to support the institution’s growth.
He also praised the Polytechnic’s Rector, Dr Sani Yahaya, for keeping the institution peaceful since taking office.