The Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, stepped forward to address the concerned students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, who engaged in a protest against locking their school gate by the Ospoly Iree chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic for the past three weeks.
During his interaction with the students, the Deputy Governor made a firm commitment that the institution, which has been under lock for the past three weeks, will be reopened no later than next week with immediate commencement of academic activities.
The protesters had been vocal about their frustrations caused by the prolonged closure of their school. Leading the demonstration was the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at Ospoly Iree, Comrade Tajudeen Lateef. He placed responsibility for the shutdown on the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), Ospoly Iree chapter. Comrade Lateef emphasized that the Students Union Government’s primary concern is the prompt reopening of the institution to prevent any extension of the students’ academic timelines.
Expressing gratitude for the Deputy Governor’s hands-on approach in addressing the students’ grievances, the Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D (South-West), Comrade Peter Damilola Bamigboye, aka Dammy Gold, commended Prince Kola Adewusi for personally engaging with the protesters. Comrade Bamigboye highlighted the students’ support for the state government, pledging their commitment to the overall progress of the State.
The atmosphere of the protest shifted from frustration to optimism as the Deputy Governor assured the students that their institution would be back in operation by the upcoming week. The news was received with joy and relief, resonating with the collective desire of the students to resume their studies.
Standing alongside the Deputy Governor were key government officials who lent their support to this critical matter. The Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Moshood Olagunju and the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Barrister Kolapo Alimi flanked the Deputy Governor, showcasing a united front in addressing the concerns of the protesting students.
As the Deputy Governor’s promises echoed through the protest site, a renewed sense of hope filled the air, and the protesting students departed for their institution with optimism in their hearts. The assurance of swift action to reopen the institution was an attestation to the commitment of the Osun State government to the well-being and future of its students.
Peoplesmind