National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has overturned the expulsion of 27 students involved in a violent protest, downgrading their punishment to a one-year suspension.
Previously, the polytechnic’s management had expelled these students for their participation in a protest on May 9, which resulted in property damage.
However, following a review, the council opted to reduce the expulsion to a suspension for the 2023/2024 academic session.
In addition, the council granted clemency to four students who were earlier suspended. Their punishments have been replaced with a warning against future violent protests.
The council has also lifted the ban on student unionism at the institution, directing the school’s management to appoint faculty representatives to oversee union affairs until the current semester concludes.
Explaining the decisions, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Olaiya, stated on Friday: “The Council ratified the committee’s recommendations, converting the expulsion of 27 students to a suspension for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Those who were previously suspended have been fully pardoned with a warning against future involvement in such acts.”
He further revealed that all students would be required to pay a N10,000 fine to cover the cost of damages and discourage future incidents.
“The ban on student union activities has been lifted, and the Polytechnic management is tasked with appointing faculty representatives to manage union affairs until the end of the semester.
Additionally, all students are required to pay N10,000 each as damages to assist in the repair of private and public property vandalised during the protests,” Olaiya added.
