The Nationwide Affiliation of Nigerian College students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has threatened to close down the Federal College Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) over the suspension of the College students’ Union Authorities (SUG) President, Comrade James Iyanuoluwa Adio, and different pupil leaders.
Though NANS mentioned it helps accountability, the affiliation insisted that disciplinary measures should comply with due course of.
NANS Questions Suspension Course of
In a press release issued by its Southwest Zone D Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, NANS expressed concern over the style of the suspension.
In keeping with the affiliation, allegations involving monetary misconduct ought to cross by way of acknowledged pupil governance constructions. These embody the College students’ Consultant Council (SRC), the place relevant.
Moreover, NANS warned towards actions that might be seen as politically motivated. It additionally cautioned towards measures able to intimidating elected pupil leaders.
“Our concern is additional strengthened by the general public document of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole. Throughout his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Bowen College, the establishment reportedly diminished its employees power by not lower than 100 in 2020 beneath what was described as restructuring and right-sizing.
“Immediately, shortly after his return to FUOYE as Vice Chancellor, we’re once more witnessing disciplinary actions affecting each employees and pupil management. This raises reliable issues about whether or not reform is being pursued by way of session and justice, or by way of worry and administrative pressure,” he mentioned.
Pupil Physique Seeks Clear Investigation
Whereas distancing itself from monetary misconduct, NANS maintained that each allegation deserves a good listening to.
Consequently, the affiliation urged the college to undertake a clear investigative course of. It argued that punishment shouldn’t precede the conclusion of investigations.
“Let each accused individual be given a good listening to. Let the proof be introduced clearly. Let justice be seen to be carried out,” he added.
NANS Points 48-Hour Ultimatum
Past its criticism of the suspension, NANS outlined a number of calls for. First, it known as for the reversal or suspension of the disciplinary motion inside 48 hours. The affiliation mentioned this could stay in impact pending a clear investigation.
As well as, it demanded an investigative committee with pupil illustration. It additionally sought public disclosure of the procedures that led to the suspension.
Furthermore, NANS requested ensures towards the victimization of scholars linked to the matter. It additional urged the college to have interaction the NANS Ekiti Joint Campus Committee (JCC) and the Southwest management.
Affiliation Broadcasts Campus Go to
As a part of its subsequent steps, NANS introduced plans to go to the college on Monday. In keeping with the affiliation, the go to will allow its officers to assemble details and seek the advice of stakeholders. It additionally intends to evaluate the scenario firsthand.
“We additionally notify the administration that NANS Southwest shall be on the gate of Federal College Oye-Ekiti on Monday to make correct findings, interact related stakeholders and communicate towards any management fashion that intimidates the scholar group.
“Let it’s clear that NANS Southwest stands for accountability, however accountability must not ever be used as a canopy for victimisation. We stand for self-discipline, however self-discipline should comply with due course of. We stand for reform, however reform should not destroy the arrogance of scholars of their union construction,” the assertion added.
For now, tensions stay excessive on campus. Nevertheless, the deliberate engagement might present a chance for dialogue. Observers might be watching carefully to see how either side reply within the coming days.