BY KAYODE ANIMASAUN
Following the protest by students of the College of Education, Ero, in Ondo state, over the inability of the school to mobilise them for National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, after completing their degree programmes, the management has cleared the air, saying the institution is acting based on the promises made by the management of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, AAUA.
The angry students had on Monday blocked the Akure-Ilesa Expressway and held the proprietor of the institution, Mr Peter Fasua, hostage in his office for several hours.
The students also destroyed property of the school during the protest.
Addressing newsmen in Akure on the affiliations of the school, with AAUA, Prince Peter Fasua said, “On 15 September 2017, the College of Education, Ero, entered into an affiliation agreement between Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko Ondo State and college of education ero, Ondo State to run a degree program.
Throughout this partnership, we have been assured by the university that our students would be eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) upon completion of their studies.
“These assurances were reiterated during the matriculation ceremony held at our institution, where the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University addressed our students directly.
“It is with deep regret and disappointment that I must express my shock upon learning that the list released by Adekunle Ajasin University for NYSC placement did not align with the assurances given to us.
“This unfortunate development has led to a protest by our students, which resulted in acts of violence and damage to property.
“I must emphasize that I strongly condemn any form of violence or destruction of property as a means of expressing grievances.
“I would like to assure the public that the management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, is a reputable institution that takes matters such as these seriously.
“I contacted the university’s Directorate, Professor Hassan, the director of IOD about the ugly development and he responded that the student representatives from my school Ero just left his office. He therefore expressed that the team of management from my school should come over for an amicably resolution, and we are currently working together to find an amicable solution to this situation.
“However, I implore the public, particularly the students, to exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. It is important that we engage in peaceful dialogue and allow the appropriate channels to address our concerns.
“I trust that Adekunle Ajasin University will take swift action to investigate and rectify this discrepancy, ensuring that the promised opportunities for NYSC placement are extended to our deserving students.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the public for their understanding and patience during this challenging time. Rest assured, we are committed to resolving this issue in a fair and just manner.”