The National Body of Federation of Oyo State Student Union (FOSSU) had condemned the recent disposition of The Ibarapa Polytechnic Rector, Dr. Iyiola Eyitayo towards the academic concerns of some of the ex students of the institution who are yet to receive their certificate and mobilised for their service years two year after their graduation from the institution.
This statement was contained in a communique signed on Wednesday by the FOSSU National Senate President, Com. Oke Wasiu Ayinde and made available to journalist in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also copied the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Shina Olukolu, Department of State Security Service, Oyo state Command, and Commissioner for Education, Oyo state, Prof. Joseph Olowofela.
According to him “This act is not only highly disturbing and unacceptable, it also falls short of what is supposed to be obtainable in a civilized and sane environment. It is uncontested that the development of any nation or state can only be measured by the quality of her education. However, this consciousness is fast waning in our institutions.”.
The FOSSU president explained that how would an institution, in its glamorous irresponsibility, offer admission to students to study unaccredited courses and at the same time confer counterfeit certificates on graduating students? adding that these acts are not only devilish but also dubious and should attract a severe penalty.
“Students are paying thousands of nairas as tuition fees and other charges for courses identical to those endorsed by professional bodies – but which are unaccredited. Institutions are expected to ensure that students’ experience matches their expectations”.
He reiterated that it also come to their notice that the Rector issued an order to the security personnel to open fire on students, which is unpalatable and uncalled for, and if true. Uncouth words and statements that are capable of inciting violence are not expected to emanate from the mouth of a good leader.
“The position of the Rector is held on a pedestal that anything short of democratic principles with the occupant will amount to despotism”.
In lieu of this, the National Body hereby prevails upon the management to immediately:
- Mobilize qualified students for the National Youth Service Corps programme;
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Review and reverse anti-student policies in the campus;
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Reveal the accreditation status of every course in the institution and work towards their accreditation;
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Make the accreditation status of courses in the institution accessible to prospective students; and
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Provide good learning environment that facilitates effective teachings learning process.
Oke emphasised that anything short of the above resolutions with attract an utmost resistance from the Union, and the union will vehemently resist any attempt to mortgage the future of Nigeria students.
He however said that as a show of solidarity and empathy, the National Body of FOSSU throws its whole weight behind the peaceful protest scheduled by the institution’s student union body to hold on April 9, 2019 at 7am prompt.
“As Nigerian students, we will never tolerate the unwarranted assault on our fundamental human rights to freedom of expression and association”.
