Alleged Cultism: Why Federal Poly Ilaro Restored Suspended SUG President
By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA
The studentship status of the suspended of Comrade Adegboye Emmanuel Olatunji, President, Students Union Government (SUG), Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (FPI) has been restored by the institution management.
This good news is coming barely five months after Adegboye, an Higher National Diploma in the Department Banking and Finance was suspended while his studentship status was revoked by the academic board of FPI over alleged involvement in unlawful association, as well as the court case of cultism instituted against him by the police.
Though, his suspension period dragged into series of condemnation from National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State chapter, National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) and other stakeholders across various media outfits querying the rationale behind his suspension, believed to be masterminded by Rector of FPI, Dr. Olusegun Aluko and in connivance with the Ogun Police Command.
Moreover, the intervention of Ogun State government under the leadership of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on the matter which was coordinated by Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) with other relevant stakeholders in attendance, while a follow up letter signed by SSG directed that the status quo be maintained pending the outcome of the court case of cultism instituted against him salvaged the situation.
Based on these actions, and respect for the government, the management of FPI known for its credibility among its pals hereby restored Comrade Adegboye Emmnauel Olatunji studentship through a letter dated July 2nd, 2020 by the Registrar, so that he could benefit from the online curriculum delivery in respect of the second semesters 2019/2020 academic session.
The letter with reference number R/SEC/59/X/284 signed by the Registrar, Mrs. Osore A. F. read: “Sequel to your apprehension by the Nigerian Police Force for engaging in unlawful association and your subsequent appearance before the relevant Court of Law.
“The Academic Board in exercise of its power placed you on suspension in line with Section 13(1) (c) of the Federal Polytechnic Act of July 25th, 1979 as amended in 2019, and in compliance with Category A Offence number 17 and 32b of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro Students Handbook.
“However, based on intervention of the Ogun State government on the matter through: (a) A meeting coordinated by the Secretary to the State Government, and having in attendance the Advisers to the Governor on Security, Labour, Students Matters, representatives of the Department of Security Services (DSS) in the state; National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Executives; Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Deputy Registrar (FPI).
“(b) A follow up letter dated June 30th, 2020 and signed by the SSG to Governor Abiodun, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi where it was directed that the status quo be maintained pending the outcome of the court case of cultism instituted against you.
“Accordingly, the Academic Board at its meeting held on Thursday, July 2nd, 2020 taken into consideration the intervention of the Ogun State government to restore your studentship with the following conditions: (i) A letter of certification from your Guarantor, that is, the Ogun State government and DSS to maintain law and order for the period of your studentship and community. (ii) The letter is expected to be forwarded to the registrar through your Head of Department.
“It is hope that you will expedite action on the conditions above so that you can be reintegrated into the system to benefit from the online curriculum delivery in respect of the second semesters 2019/2020 academic session.”
Meanwhile, the leadership of NANS and NAOSS have hailed the development and thanked the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his fatherly role in resolving the crisis. They also appreciated the SSG, Tokunbi Talabi, and other stakeholders for taken their time to initiate the amicable settlement that has brought about lasting relationship.
