The National Association of Nigerian Students has offered explanation for the destruction of property by the staff and students of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos State on Monday.
The explanation was contained in a statement signed by NANS Senate President, Afeez Akinteye, and issued on Monday.
The NANS president also faulted the report by the spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command and a Superintendent of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, on the incident.
Akinteye said in the statement: “For over three months, the staff of FCET Akoka have been compelled to lock out the Provost from his office due to his tyrannical leadership and gross mismanagement. The Provost’s actions have continually undermined the welfare and rights of the college community, prompting justified resistance from both staff and students.
“A significant source of anger is the Provost’s renewed tenure, which is against the law. His continued presence in the position is a direct violation of legal protocols and has only heightened tensions. For peace to reign on campus, the Provost must step down immediately.
“When the team from the Ministry of Education arrived today to mediate the ongoing impasse, the staff and students sought to express their frustrations and demand accountability. Contrary to the police report, there was no unprovoked attack on the mediation team. The damage to property was a consequence of deep-seated frustrations, not mindless violence.
“Furthermore, the response from the police exacerbated the situation. Instead of adopting a measured approach to de-escalate tensions, they resorted to force, further agitating the already distressed community. The assertion that normalcy was restored without acknowledging the excessive use of force and the wrongful arrest of thirty-two individuals is misleading and unacceptable.
“NANS demands an accurate and fair account of the events. The detained individuals were exercising their democratic right to protest against an autocratic Provost who has long disregarded their welfare. Their actions should be seen as a courageous stand against tyranny.
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“We call on the police to unconditionally release the arrested students and staff, as they have committed no crime. Their detention is unjust and a violation of their fundamental rights.
“We urge the relevant authorities to address the core issue, the Provost’s unlawful renewed tenure and oppressive leadership. Only through addressing this fundamental concern can true peace and stability be restored at FCET Akoka.
“NANS stands in solidarity with the staff and students of FCET Akoka and will continue to advocate for justice and fair treatment.”
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