Ede Polytechnic Forms Committee to Reassess Expulsion and Suspension of 35 Students

The Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, has established an ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the expulsion of 27 students and the suspension of eight others. These actions were taken in response to the students' involvement in a violent protest on May 9, 2024.

The Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Taiwo Olaiya, made this announcement during the council's inaugural meeting in Ede. He stated that the affected students, who were disciplined by the institution on July 27, would be given another opportunity to defend themselves before the committee. The committee has been instructed to conclude its investigation within 48 hours and report back to the council.

The protest erupted in response to the arrest of some students by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Owode, a nearby community. During the demonstration, the polytechnic’s staff club was attacked, and several vehicles were damaged.

Prof. Olaiya condemned the violence, stating that while the right to protest is protected, vandalism is not. He emphasized that the committee's purpose is to ensure that due process was followed and to verify claims from some students that they were not involved in the protest.

In addition to addressing the protest, Prof. Olaiya outlined other key decisions made by the council. These include filling vacant principal positions, confirming pending staff promotions, and ensuring the timely completion of ongoing projects. The council also plans to initiate new projects and relocate the institution to its permanent site.

Prof. Olaiya reaffirmed the council's commitment to maintaining peace and following the institution's laws and regulations. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing the council members and praised the Rector, Dr. Sani Yahaya, for maintaining peace since assuming office.