The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) South-West has issued a new 10-day ultimatum to the management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, demanding the reinstatement of students expelled for participating in a peaceful protest on campus.
According to NANS, this development follows the intervention of the Federal Government.
In a statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Comrade John Alao; Secretary General, Comrade Sanni Sulaimon Olamide; and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Bamigboye Peter Oluwadamilola, and made available to journalists on Saturday, the student body emphasized that students have the right to engage in peaceful protests and should not be punished for doing so.
The statement reads in part: “Following the five-day ultimatum issued on August 5, 2024, demanding the removal of the Rector, Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, due to the unlawful expulsion of students, we have received numerous appeals from concerned stakeholders over the past 24 hours.
“These appeals have been made on behalf of the management and Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, urging us to reconsider our stance.
“As an ideological student organization committed to justice, fairness, and the welfare of Nigerian students, we recognize the importance of dialogue and the need to allow for the possibility of a positive resolution.
“In light of this, and considering the recent interventions, we are prepared to extend the benefit of the doubt, acknowledging that efforts are underway to address our legitimate concerns.
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“However, let it be clear that our position remains firm. We have consistently demanded the immediate reinstatement of the students who were unjustly expelled following the peaceful protest on May 9, 2024.
“This demand is non-negotiable, and we will not waver in our commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
“The recent indications that the Federal Government is now actively engaging in efforts to resolve this issue are a positive step forward.
“We welcome this development and urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively to rectify the injustices perpetrated against these students.
“The management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, must not be allowed to uphold decisions that are detrimental to the academic and personal development of Nigerian students.
“We remind the management and all stakeholders involved that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic principle.
“Students must not be punished for exercising their rights to express legitimate concerns. Suppression of dissent through expulsions and suspensions is not only a violation of these rights but also counterproductive to the educational mission of fostering critical thinking and active citizenship.
“While we acknowledge the ongoing efforts to reconsider the expulsion and suspension of the affected students, NANS South-West will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We emphasize that our demands are just, and any attempt to undermine the integrity of our educational system will be met with appropriate action.”
