A peaceful protest erupted at the Federal Polytechnic Offa on Monday, as part-time students disrupted ongoing second-semester examinations, demanding resolution to their exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
The demonstration, which escalated in front of the school’s main premises, marked the second time in two months that students have protested over the same issue. Students voiced frustration over the management’s failure to deliver on promises made following a similar protest on August 26, 2024.
Hundreds of students carried placards with messages like “PT Students Must Serve” and “We Deserve Our Right,” calling for immediate action from the school authorities. Many expressed concerns that exclusion from the NYSC program would harm their professional prospects and limit access to government employment.
“We have been patient for months, believing the management would keep their word, but they seem indifferent to our future,” said a student leader, who preferred to remain anonymous. “We won’t sit for exams when our careers are on the line. Immediate action is needed.”
The Director of Student Affairs and the Deputy Rector of Academics met with the students to de-escalate the situation, promising that discussions were ongoing at higher levels. They urged students to suspend the protest and allow examinations to continue.
However, students rejected the verbal assurances, referencing similar promises made after the August protest that went unfulfilled. “We won’t make the same mistake twice,” a protester said. “In August, we trusted their words. Now, we need to see concrete action before we stand down.”
With no resolution in sight, the protest continued throughout the day, forcing an indefinite suspension of the ongoing second-semester examinations. The atmosphere on campus remained tense as students vowed to continue their agitation until the issue was resolved.
Students have appealed to both the school administration and government authorities to intervene swiftly, warning that further delays could lead to extended disruptions and potential unrest.
“We are prepared to protest as long as necessary,” one student told reporters. “Our future is at stake, and we won’t back down until the right thing is done.”
The institution has yet to release an official statement regarding the protest. Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed to maintain order and ensure the demonstration remains peaceful.
Students insist they will not relent until concrete steps are taken to address their exclusion from NYSC participation, which they view as critical to their career advancement.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the school’s next move and the involvement of relevant government agencies to prevent further disruption to academic activities at the polytechnic.
(BABS MEDIA)
