Why Poly Ibadan expelled students, staff
Thirty-two students of the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State, are said to have been expelled over alleged examination malpractices and other related offences.
Also dismissed were two members of non-teaching staff for gross misconduct.
The aggressive campaigns of the management against examination malpractices and other anti-social conducts on campus was viewed by some of the students as a mere threat.
However, the students’ mindset over cultism, examination malpractices, sexual abuse and prostitution, among others, is beginning to change with the disciplinary measures introduced in recent times.
The Rector, Professor Olatunde Fawole, during its recent matriculation ceremony had warned the students to shun examination malpractices or risk expulsion.
He said the institution had zero tolerance for exams cheating and cultism, adding that the institution will continue to promote hard work and excellence.
He urged the staff to continue to support the programmes and policies of the institution, saying those who worked hard would be rewarded.
The Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Adewole Soladoye, said the dismissal of the erring staff was part of the effort of the management to instill discipline in the students.
He said the measures were taken to protect the integrity of the institution.
Though Soladoye didn’t give details of the affected students, he said the culprits were free to take any step on the decision of the school, adding that their conduct contravened the policy establishing the institution.
He said the decision taken by the management against some students and officials over ‘gross misconduct’ was a message to all students that the school didn’t joke with its disciplinary policy.
“The misconduct we are talking about has to do with the provisions presented in the handbook of the institution which is available to both students and staff.
“We have constituted different committees to see to the charges and offences of each of the victims. I am sure you are aware that there is disciplinary committee for staff and there is disciplinary committee for students. The committee is to give fair hearing to the students so that the management won’t be one sided in its judgment.
“We don’t want to say specifically the area of misconduct they engaged themselves so that other people will be vigilant in their dealings. The institution has every authority to punish any staff or student who engages in act of misconduct.
“What the institution is doing is to protect government job and civil service integrity,” Soladoye said.
The dismissal of staff, according to the Registrar, Hezekiel Fehintola, was upheld by various committees set up to investigate the allegations against them.
He said the action of the institution was in line with the terms and condition of service set by management.
Sources said the students were found guilty of examination malpractices, especially during the first semester examinations.
Mr. Fehintola said the students were found culpable after they appeared before a disciplinary committee of the school.
He urged staff to be committed to their work, warning that the school would not condone any act of indiscipline from staff and students.
An HND II student, Sade Oguntola, who spoke with our correspondent, said though she didn’t know much about the affected students, she was convinced they were aware of the stand of the management before the school resumed.
She said the development was a warning to students who liked to cheat during examinations, adding that it was the duty of parents to reprimand their children whenever they erred.
Another student of Mechanical Engineering, Olaoluwa Folorunso, said even if the decision was in good faith, the management should be mindful and fair to avoid underhandedness.
“My concern is that the management of the institution should be mindful of their actions so that the innocent is not victimized. With what happened now, many students will be reasonable in whatever step they want to take.
“Though examination malpractice is synonymous to students because it is everywhere but officials must be reasonable in their dealings too,” she said. the polytechnic’s