The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has constituted an ad hoc committee to look into the circumstances that led to the expulsion of 27 students and suspension of eight others from the institution.

Chairman of the governing council of the institution, Prof. Taiwo Olaiya, disclosed this during the council’s inaugural sitting in Ede.

The management of the institution on July 27 announced the expulsion of 27 students and suspension of eight others over their roles in the May 9 violent protest in 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, the staff club of the polytechnic was attacked and several vehicles were damaged by the students.

Mr Olaiya, who condemned the protest, said that the affected students would be given “another chance” to defend themselves before the committee.

He said the committee was given 48 hours to conclude 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 decisions arrived at by the council, Mr Olaiya said that the vacant principal positions in the institution would be filled, while pending promotion of staff due to absence of governing council had been confirmed.

He also said that the council would ensure speedy completion of all ongoing projects in the institution for smooth academic learning, while new ones would be initiated for the development of the polytechnic.

Mr Olaiya also said that the council would put necessary measures in place to ensure smooth relocation of the institution to its permanent site.

On the vision of the council, Mr Olaiya said that members of the governing body would ensure a rancour free polytechnic, where peace and development would reign.

“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, who appreciated President Bola Tinubu for counting them worthy to be appointed into the council, promised that they would give their best for the growth of the institution.

He also commended the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Sani Yahaya, for ensuring peace in the institution since assumption of office.