The proprietor of the College of Education, Ero, Ondo State, Mr. Oyeleye Fasua, has called for calm among protesting students, assuring that the issue of mobilizing them for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will be addressed.
The students staged a protest on Monday, expressing dissatisfaction with the institution’s failure to mobilize them for the NYSC after completing their degree programs, which were affiliated with Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.
During the protest, students blocked the Akure-Ilesa Expressway and detained Fasua, demanding the refund of their tuition fees if they were not mobilized for the NYSC scheme. Property of the school was also vandalized during the demonstration.
Speaking to our correspondent in Akure, Fasua explained that the institution had acted based on assurances from the management of AAUA that the students would be mobilized for the NYSC program after completing their studies.
While the Memorandum of Understanding with AAUA did not explicitly mention NYSC mobilization, Fasua insisted that the university’s management had promised to ensure the students’ eligibility for the NYSC.
Fasua expressed deep regret and disappointment over the discrepancy between AAUA’s list for NYSC placement and the assurances given to them.
He condemned the acts of violence and property damage during the protest, emphasizing his strong disapproval of such means of expressing grievances.
Assuring the public of AAUA’s commitment to addressing the matter seriously, Fasua disclosed that he had contacted the university’s directorate to initiate an amicable resolution.
He urged students to show restraint, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and allow peaceful dialogue through appropriate channels.
Fasua expressed trust in Adekunle Ajasin University’s prompt action to investigate and rectify the discrepancy, ensuring that the promised opportunities for NYSC placement are extended to the deserving students.