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By Taofik Jimoh
The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has announced the establishment of a committee to reassess the circumstances surrounding the recent expulsion of 27 students.
These students were expelled following their alleged involvement in violent protests that occurred on May 9, 2024.
The protests were sparked by the arrest of some students by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During the unrest, property on campus was vandalized, with protesters allegedly targeting the polytechnic’s Staff Club, where several vehicles were damaged.
Speaking after the first meeting of the newly inaugurated Governing Council on Wednesday, the Chairman, Professor Taiwo Olaiya, disclosed that the council received numerous pleas to reconsider the expulsions. In response, a committee was formed to hear the students’ accounts of the incident and to review the disciplinary actions taken against them.
“After lots of pleas from people concerning this case, we have resolved to call the students to come forward and state their side of the story,” Olaiya said.
He added that the committee is expected to report back within the next 48 hours, at which point the council will decide whether the students will be reinstated.
In addition to addressing the students’ cases, Professor Olaiya mentioned that the council is committed to resolving issues of pending staff promotions, which have been a concern for some time.
“The committee has resolved to fast-track the issue of pending promotions of our staff, and we are ready to take care of issues affecting both the students and staff,” he added.
Professor Olaiya also emphasized the council’s intention to strengthen the relationship between the polytechnic and the host community. “We want to leave a rancour-free polytechnic by the time our tenure expires,” he noted, expressing the council’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and collaborative environment at the institution.
The outcome of the committee’s review will determine whether the expelled students will be allowed to return to their studies, a decision that is eagerly awaited by the students and their supporters.
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