LAUTECH: Let’s avoid unruly behaviour

A few weeks ago, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State made some statements when  students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) came protesting the closure of the schools for eight months in front of the secretariat. The statements credited to the governor have been trending on the Internet ever since.

I was surprised with the comments from different quarters especially the criticisms of the governor’s action. I was at the event not because I wanted to, but I was stranded at the secretariat gate which was locked maybe because of the behaviour of the students. If I had my way, I would have asked the governor not to bother coming out initially or at least send a representative because I was scared of the way the students behaved. While some students were calm, some were unnecessary unruly.

The governor epitomised humility with his conduct that day as he came out from the Ajumose bus used to carry workers to and from work to address the students.

Without mincing words, I believe the students were wrong to some extent. Although  they wanted their school to be reopened, they should have behaved politely to the governor when he was addressing them.

But instead, they were aggressive, singing different abusive songs. While it is understandable that they were angry over the delay in opening their school, I am of the view that the students should have portrayed themselves as disciplined and cultured individuals.

Governor Ajimobi could have decided not to pay attention to their protest, he could have chosen not to come out to address them. But as a concerned individual and father, he still came out to talk to them. As a matter of fact, a protest like this could even be dangerous and the society frowns on a disrespectful child.

However, I am sure that the governor  has taken the  necessary steps to re-open the school and individuals commenting on the issue to tread softly.

Ololade Samuel

Ibadan