The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Dr Sani Yahaya to reinstate all students of the institution who were recently rusticated.
According to NANS in a statement signed by Senator Akinteye Babatunde, President of the Senate, the only offence committed by the affected students was to stand up and agitate for their rightful entitlements.
The statement read, “We strongly condemned the recent rustication of students at the Federal Polytechnic Ede by the institution’s Rector. These students, whose only “offence” 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.”
NANS in the statement added that the resort to threat targeting faculty presidents and course representatives with rustication is not only unacceptable but also a blatant abuse of power aimed at silencing the student body.
The association condemned the management of the institution for collecting a damage fee of N10,000 from each student after the riot and still went ahead to rusticate them, saying it amounts to exploitation for financial gains and lack of integrity.
“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.
“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,” the statement added.
