NAPS condemns expulsion of students from Osun polytechnic
On Thursday, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) condemned the recent expulsion of 12 students from the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State. The association criticized the Rector, Dr. Sanni Yahaya, for what they deemed as tyrannical behavior and a lack of commitment to student welfare and progress, demanding his removal from office.
Kazeem Ajewole, NAPS’ Vice President on Special Duties, made these statements during a national meeting held on Wednesday at Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State. The expelled students had reportedly been dismissed for leading a protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
NAPS labeled the action by the institution’s management as unjust and a “miscarriage of justice,” insisting that it must be contested. The statement read, “The leadership of NAPS strongly condemns the unjust rustication of the students by the Rector, particularly given the context of their expulsion. This action is a miscarriage of justice, inhumane, and detrimental to the students’ progress, as well as a setback for education in our country.”
The student body further argued that the expulsion reflected the Rector’s disregard for due process and student welfare, alleging that it was driven by personal agendas. NAPS demanded the immediate dismissal of the Rector, the reversal of the students’ expulsion, the implementation of a fair disciplinary process, and the establishment of a student welfare committee to protect students’ rights.
The statement warned that if their demands were not met within two weeks, they would resort to drastic measures, including potentially shutting down the institution and organizing a peaceful protest to compel action from the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities.
On Wednesday, the National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned the expulsion, with Senate President Babatunde Akinteye stating that the students were unfairly punished for exercising their constitutional rights.
