By Gabriella Ogbu
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong condemnation of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede’s administration following its recent threats and the rustication of 27 students. This action came in the wake of a protest against the arrest of several students by representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Senate President Afeez Akinteye, NANS expressed its outrage at the institution’s response. Instead of addressing the students’ concerns, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede has reportedly resorted to intimidation tactics by threatening further rustication. The students in question were sanctioned despite having paid N10,000 each as compensation for damages incurred during the protest.
NANS criticized the Rector for what they termed as an abusive exercise of power. The organization argued that the rustication was an unjust punishment for students exercising their constitutional right to protest. The association’s statement highlighted that, rather than engaging with the students’ grievances, the Rector has opted to use threats as a means to suppress dissent.
“We vehemently denounce the actions of the Federal Polytechnic Ede’s Rector. These students have been unfairly penalized for advocating for their rights,” the statement read. “The attempt to silence the student body through intimidation and threats is not only unjust but also a misuse of authority. The Rector’s actions are particularly disheartening given that the students were already subjected to financial penalties following the protest.”
The statement further condemned the practice of demanding financial compensation from the students while simultaneously expelling them. “The demand for N10,000 from each student as damages, followed by their expulsion, underscores a troubling exploitation of their plight and reflects poorly on the administration’s integrity and sense of responsibility.”
NANS has declared that it will not be deterred by these threats and remains resolute in seeking justice for the affected students. The organization is calling for the immediate reinstatement of all rusticated students and warns that further actions will be taken if the demands are not met. “We will continue to advocate for our members’ rights and will not be silenced by intimidation. We demand that the Rector either step down or permit the students to return to their studies,” Akinteye asserted.
