NANS backs FUOYE VC, seeks probe into alleged police raid

By Boye Oyeyemi

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has backed the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, following an alleged attempt by policemen to take him into custody at his residence in Ado-Ekiti.

In a communiqué issued after its elective convention at the university, the association called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to order an independent investigation into the incident and sanction any officers found to have breached due process.

NANS condemned the reported operation, arguing that disputes involving university administrators should not be handled through intimidation or unconventional security measures, while urging that any request for information or documents from the vice-chancellor be made through recognised legal channels.

The students’ body alleged that the operation was connected to a petition against Ogunwole by individuals it described as dissatisfied with his administration, warning that the involvement of security agencies in internal administrative disputes could threaten peace and stability at the institution.

The communiqué, signed by NANS Head of Administration, National Headquarters, Taiwo Owolewa; NANS/JCC Ekiti axis Chairman, Toheeb Olawale; and FUOYE Students’ Union Government President, Samuel Ajayi, also commended members of the university community who converged on the vice-chancellor’s residence.

NANS expressed confidence in Ogunwole’s leadership, citing his administration’s commitment to academic standards, financial prudence and students’ welfare, while urging police authorities to establish the source and authorisation of the alleged deployment and take appropriate action if wrongdoing is established.

The alleged arrest attempt occurred early Wednesday when security operatives were seen around Ogunwole’s residence at about 6:10 a.m., attracting university workers and students who gathered at the premises amid concerns that the vice-chancellor might be taken to Lagos.

Ogunwole had said his children first drew his attention to the presence of security personnel around the residence, adding that he did not immediately come out because he was uncertain of the operatives’ identity. He linked the incident to a petition concerning a leaked audio recording, which he said was already before the courts.