students of Osun State Polytechnic, Ireehave expressed their concern about the new closure of the institution after the lleadership crisis shaking the polytechnic.
Since the dismissal of the institution’s substantive rector, Tajudeen Odetayo, and the appointment of his replacement, Kehinde Adeyemi, in an acting capacity, staff and students of the school have continued to protest the government’s decision.
During the week, the government announced another two-week break following Odetayo’s return to office after the National Industrial Tribunal (NIC) granted him protection.
The leadership fight is sending students home for the second time since the controversy began.
He first closing It lasted more than two weeks, from July 24 to August 14. On Wednesday, the government announced another two-week shutdown.
Protest
Meanwhile, the Osun State axis leadership of the Joint Campus Committee (JCJ) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said they would embark on a peaceful protest if the state government fails to find a lasting solution to the issue in the campus. as soon as possible.
The association issued a statement signed by its president, Ogungbe Adedamola, and its secretary general, Afolabi Faruq.
“We believe that mandatory vacations for students will not only have negative intellectual consequences but will also contribute to their academic setbacks,” he said.
Students described the disruption as unfair and said it makes them victims of internal disagreements over the appointment of a chancellor or other administrative matters.
If the government and school authorities fail to find a solution in the coming days, the students are threatening a peaceful protest that they say would be confrontational.
The statement reads in part; “We call on the management of the Osun State Polytechnic, the Osun State Government and all other stakeholders involved to find a quick and lasting solution to the impending crisis at the Ospoly campus in the coming days.
“If we don’t, we will have no choice but to take to the streets in peaceful protest. We emphasize that this press release serves as an advisory measure and strongly urge the Osun State Government and Ospoly management to address our concerns before resorting to street demonstrations, which are confrontational in nature.
“In conclusion, we have faith in the leadership of the Osun State Government, led by His Excellency, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, and believe that he will listen to our wishes as a caring leader and responsible governor.”
Background
The leadership crisis began in late July when the state government suspended Mr Odetayo over allegations of financial imprudence, corruption, embezzlement and abuse of office and immediately appointed Mr Adeyemi as acting rector.
This sparked an instant protest by students and teachers of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), who were opposed to Mr. Odetayo’s suspension.
Dissatisfied with his suspension, Odetayo went to the National Labor Court, which overturned his suspension and prevented the state government from appointing a rector for the institution.
He insisted he was never asked a question before the state government announced his suspension.
Following the court’s decision, Odetayo visited the polytechnic facilities on Thursday, accompanied by officials from the State Security Service (SSS).
But Adeyemi, the acting rector, described Odetayo’s return as a “forceful invasion” of the rector’s office, but called for calm.
That same day, the state Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, announced the closure of the school for two weeks. He also described Odetayo’s return to school as forceful.
“The immediate breakup is a necessary action to maintain peace in the institution following the forced return of the suspended rector, Dr. Odetayo,” he said in a statement.
Qosim Suleiman is a reporter for Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which pairs local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the world.