National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has stated that the threat by the management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, won’t stop its agitation for the reinstatement of rusticated students of the institution.
This was followed by recent rustication of 27 students of the institution who participated in protest against arrest of some students by the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The student’s group, in a statement signed by the senate president, Afeez Akinteye, on Thursday, condemned the rustication of the students after several pleas by NANS.
NANS lamented that the Rector of the institution had preferred to silence the student body of the institution through threats of more rustication of more students instead of addressing the concerns of the students.
The group further bemoaned the rustication of the students after the payments of N10,000 damages fee after the protest.
“We strongly condemn the recent rustication of students at the Federal Polytechnic Ede by the institution’s Rector. These students, whose only “offense” was to stand up and agitate for their rightful entitlements, have been unjustly punished for exercising their constitutional rights.
“It has come to our attention that the Rector, instead of addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the students, has chosen a path of intimidation and further threats. The targeting of faculty presidents and course representatives with threats of rustication is not only unacceptable but also a blatant abuse of power aimed at silencing the student body.
“Furthermore, it is appalling to note that after extorting N10,000 from each student as a fee for damages post-protest, the Rector still proceeded to expel them. This not only showcases a lack of integrity and accountability but also a gross exploitation of the students’ plight for financial gain.
“We wish to unequivocally state that such threats will not deter us from pursuing justice for our members. The rights of the students to advocate for their welfare and demand accountability are sacrosanct and must be respected.
“We hereby demand the immediate reinstatement of all rusticated students. Should the Rector fail to meet this demand, we will proceed with the last C of Aluta to ensure that the voices of the students are heard and their rights are upheld. The threats and intimidation tactics currently employed will not save the Rector from facing the consequences of his actions.
“We stand firm in our position: it is either the Rector resigns or he reinstates our students. The choice is his to make.
“The unity and solidarity of the Nigerian students are unbreakable, and we will continue to stand together against any form of injustice. We call upon all students, alumni, and well-meaning Nigerians to join us in this struggle to defend the rights of the student body,” he stated.
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