Osun Students Threaten Protest Over Frequent Closure Of Polytechnic

• Yusuf Oketola

Students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, have raised concern over the fresh closure of the institution following the leadership crisis rocking the polytechnic.

Since the removal of the institution’s substantive rector, Tajudeen Odetayo, and the appointment of his replacement, Kehinde Adeyemi, in an acting capacity, the staff and students of the school have continued to protest the government’s decision.

The government, during the week, announced another two-week break following the return of Mr Odetayo to the office after he was granted relief by the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Lagos.

The leadership tussle is sending students home for the second time since the controversy began.

The first closure lasted more than two weeks, from 24 July to 14 August. On Wednesday, the government announced another two-week closure.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Osun State axis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Committee (JCJ) said it would embark on a peaceful protest should the state government fail to find a lasting solution to the problem on the campus as soon as possible.

The association’s statement issued a statement signed by its Chairman, Ogungbe Adedamola, and General Secretary, Afolabi Faruq, a copy made available to OSUN DEFENDER.

“We believe that the mandated holiday for students will not only have negative intellectual consequences but also contribute to their academic setbacks,” it said.

The students described the disruption as unfair, saying it makes students victims of internal disagreements over the appointment of a rector or other administrative matters.

Should the government and school authorities fail to find a solution in the next few days, the students threaten a peaceful protest which it said would be confrontational.

The statement reads in part; “We call on the management of Osun State Polytechnic, the Osun State Government, and all other stakeholders involved to find a prompt and lasting solution to the impending crisis on the Ospoly campus within the next few days.

“Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take to the streets in peaceful protest. We emphasise that this press release serves as a consultative measure, and we strongly urge the Osun State Government and Ospoly management to address our concerns before we resort 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 we believe that he will listen to our yearnings as a caring leader and responsible governor.”