NANS faults rustication of poly students 

The National Association of Nigerian Students, on Wednesday, condemned the recent rustication of some students at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede in Osun State.

NANS, in a statement by the President of the Senate, Babatunde Akinteye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, explained that the affected students were unjustly punished for exercising their constitutional rights.

He said the unity and solidarity of the Nigerian students were unbreakable, and the association would continue to stand against any form of injustice.

Akinteye said, “We strongly condemn the recent rustication of students at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede by the institution’s rector.

“These students, whose only offence 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.”.

The NANS Senate President, therefore, demanded 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. The threats and intimidation tactics currently employed will not save him from facing the consequences of his actions,” he said.

He added that the NANS stood firm in its position, saying “The unity and solidarity of the Nigerian students are unbreakable, and we will continue to stand together against any form of injustice.”

Akinteye further called on all students, alumni, and well-meaning Nigerians to join the association in the struggle to defend the rights of the student body.