Following the expulsion of some students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS, has called for the removal of the Rector, Dr Sani Man Yahaya.
The student body gave the Governing Council of the institution seven days to remove him over the manner he handled a recent protest by the students.
According to the Southwest leaders of NAPS, including the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Obasanya Monday Johnson, Comrade Oladipupo Olawale Ridwan, General secretary and Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, the Public Relations Officer, the students said they were disappointed in the leadership style of the Rector.
Recall that on May 9, 2024, students of the polytechnic protested at the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the arrest of some of their colleagues by operatives of the commission.
Operatives of the anti-graft agency had earlier stormed Owode, Ede to arrest some students they accused of engaging in financial scams.
But in the process of demanding the release of their colleagues, the students protested and some properties were allegedly damaged.
However, the grouse of NAPS leaders is that the committee set up by the Rector to probe the matter consisted of people who claimed their properties were damaged, raising the possiblity of bais in the outcomes of the committee.
“Our investigation revealed that the committee established by the management to handle the case comprised individuals whose properties were allegedly damaged during the protest, raising concerns about bias and conflict of interest.
“In light of these developments, this act is considered unethical and a total abuse of power. We are left with no choice but to demand the immediate removal of the Rector. His leadership has failed to demonstrate fairness, empathy, and understanding, instead opting for punitive measures that threaten the academic and professional future of our colleagues.
“We hereby issue a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Education and the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ede to remove the Rector, Dr. Sani Man Yahaya. Failure to comply will lead to a massive protest as we will mobilize our members to take action.
“We urge all stakeholders to intervene and address this injustice to prevent the disruption of academic activities.”
(Vanguard)