The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded the immediate reinstatement of students who were expelled from the Federal Polytechnic in Ede.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Ibadan, NANS condemned the polytechnic’s rector for punishing students who stood up for their rights.
According to NANS Senate President, Afeez Babatunde Akinteye, the students were rusticated for advocating for their entitlements and exercising their constitutional rights.
News About Nigeria reports that NANS criticixed the rector for intimidating and threatening students, particularly faculty presidents and course representatives, instead of addressing their concerns.
The association vowed to pursue justice for its members and demanded the reinstatement of all expelled students, warning that failure to comply would lead to further action to ensure students’ voices are heard and their rights upheld.
The statement reads, “We strongly condemn the recent rustication of students at the Federal Polytechnic Ede by the institution’s rector. These students, whose only “offense” 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. The targeting of faculty presidents and course representatives with threats of rustication is not only unacceptable but also a blatant abuse of power aimed at silencing the student body.
“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. Should the Rector fail to meet this demand, we will proceed with the last C of Aluta to ensure that the voices of the students are heard and their rights are upheld.”
