The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has launched a scathing attack on the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, accusing him of pursuing anti-student policies, suppressing students’ rights and presiding over an administration tainted by allegations of corruption.

The students’ body also called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Adebowale’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Babatunde Afeez Akinteye, NANS described Adebowale’s administration as oppressive, alleging that it was characterised by policies that imposed hardship on students and undermined students’ unionism.

The association claimed that throughout his tenure, students who protested against policies they considered unfavourable were intimidated, suspended or expelled.

According to NANS, the outgoing vice-chancellor used his office to suppress student activism rather than promote an environment conducive to learning and engagement.

“As your valediction draws nigh, I am compelled to write to you as the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, the apex body representing millions of Nigerian students.

“Your tenure was characterised by anti-student policies that subjected students to hardship, strained them beyond their limits and made learning frustrating.

“Worst of all, whenever students rose to fight for their rights, you intimidated, suspended and ultimately expelled them. You punished student leaders who sought better welfare for students and silenced the Students’ Union,” the statement read.

NANS also alleged that Adebowale’s administration was dogged by controversies and allegations of corruption, insisting that the anti-graft agency should investigate his stewardship.

“On behalf of the leadership of NANS, I call on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the tenure of Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan,” Akinteye stated.

The students’ body also warned that it would oppose any future public appointment involving the outgoing vice-chancellor, alleging that he had lost the confidence of Nigerian students.

“Following your tenure, if you are nominated for any position in this country, Nigerian students will mobilise massively against you,” the NANS president said.

The association, however, congratulated the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, on his appointment.

It urged the incoming vice-chancellor to pursue student-friendly policies, improve welfare, uphold transparency and create a more conducive academic environment.

NANS also expressed hope that the new administration would strengthen dialogue with students and avoid what it described as the shortcomings of the outgoing leadership.

The University of Ibadan is yet to respond officially to the allegations contained in the NANS statement. (The Guardian)

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