Afe Babalola University University alumni condemns students protest

The Alumni Association of Afe Babalola University has spoken against the actions of the students following the crisis that rocked the school, causing the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

The alumni denied allegation that the students were being treated like 'kindergarteners'. They applauded the school management for not shutting the institution, despite the destructive actions of the student.

17 students have been remanded in prison in connection to the violent protest and are being tried at the Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti.

Addressing newsmen in the university on Thursday, February 11, the National President of the Alumni Association, Miss Tope Sobajo, said such violent attack was not in the culture of the university, advising the students not to destroy the citadel of learning known for academic excellence and moral uprightness.

Sobajo added that the University was only trying to maintain discipline among students when they made rules such as disallowing aimless wanderings and leaving campus without reasons. The students were urged not to see it as being treated like kids. 

The President, a masters’ degree student of the university, said she neither witnessed nor noticed any case of rape or drug peddling during her four years in the university, describing the allegations on social media as unsubstantiated and targeted at reducing the respect the university commands.

"The malicious damage of 27 cars , offices and FESTO Mechatronics laboratory worth N350m, is certainly uncalled for. If students have issues, they ought to pass through the proper channels.

“We, the Alumni Association, condemns in very strong terms the act of burglary, stealing and deliberate and willful damage of property as well as attempts to kill with a knife and inflicting bodily injuries on policemen and other security agents by protesters.

“We also condemn in strong terms the breaking into the VC’s office , cafeteria and may other offices as well as the boutique where the rampaging students away valuables worth millions of which were later found in their possession,” the statement said.