The University of Lagos has reinstated two of its students recently rusticated for their roles in a protest in 2015 which led to the closure of the institution for three weeks.
One of them is the visually-impaired student, Lawrence Success, whose rustication a few weeks ago was greeted with a series of protests by students and civil society groups, resulting in the arrest and detention of thirteen students.
The Deputy Registrar (Information) of the University, Mr Toyin Adebule, who confirmed the reinstatement to Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday said Success had already started his examination.
The other student who was identified as Ochuba Polycarp was said to have already completed his degree and already obtained his certificate.
The university was, for weeks, criticised particularly for its decision to rusticate the visually-impaired student. However, a statement issued by the university at the time had stressed that the student was not targeted because of his condition.
A letter addressed to one of the newly reinstated students, Ochuba Polycarp, and signed by the university Registrar, Dr Taiwo Ipaye, said the decision was taken after considering the “pleas for leniency” extended to the university by concerned parties.
“You will recall that upon the recommendation of Students’ Disciplinary Board, you were informed of your rustication from the university for 1st and 2nd semesters of the 2016/2017 session via a letter dated 21st March 2017 for disruption of peace on campus during the protest against the infestation of bedbugs in the halls of residence on 28th September 2015
“However, in view of the various pleas for leniency, the recommendation of the Students’ Disciplinary Board was reviewed and the penalty of rustication for two semesters was withdrawn. Your studentship is hereby reinstated.”
Letter of reversal of rustication.