BREAKING : Why We Burnt The Phones – Poly Ib Rector tells NANS

The Polytechnic Ibadan Rector, Professor K.A Adebiyi has, on tuesday, explained why the management of the institution decided to burn the collected from students during examinations. He said this during a meeting between the management of the institution and the National Association of Nigeria Students, Oyo State axis. The students’ movement which was led by the General secretary; Com Salawudeen Oyewale George Wale.

The Rector while addressing the Nans body said  there is serious danger in rushing to conclusions on issues read on social media without taking pains to inquire even from the other side. It is a journey of over six years before the decision to burn the phones was taken by the well constituted Students Disciplinary Committee of the institution.

” Many options were considered some of which were implemented, however, the students remained recalstistrant, for example, the committee came up with imposition of fine of N1000, this was when the rate of seizure increased drastically. The directorate of students affairs now recorded incessant cases of burglary by some unscrupulous students cating away some of the phones under custody. 

The option of giving the phones out to relevant department for practicals was equally considered but for some legal and Security implications, that option was dropped. You see, he who feels it knows it all.we have had cases of detectives, DSS coming to effect the arrest of some students who have falling victims of purchase of stolen phones and in some cases, the owners of such phones were killed in robbery the operations where the phones were stollen.

 If such phones are now given out to department for practicals and tracked to such department by the Police, your guess is as good as mine. Those phones burnt have been accumulating for over six years and not just a seizure at a swoop. The committee was left with no other option or method of disposal than to burn them. In consideration of environmental hazard, we carefully selected an open site far away from the hostels and the lecture areas, a pit was dug before dumping the phones for burning. 

We went through all the rigours in a bid to sanitizing the system and in ensuring that we turn out products with exemplary characters who are worthy of the certificates we issue them. For avoidance of doubt, series of information and warnings have been given to the students on the dangers inherent in getting involved in examination malpractice most especially bringing of phones into the examination halls. 

Examination malpractice and santions are clearly stated in the student’s hand book,banners containing all these are hoisted at various exam centres every semester during exam periods and above all, the examination answer booklets also contain these instructions”

Com Goerge, while reacting to the submission of the Rector later said the Students’ movement will work towards advising the students to shun malpractices to avoid such action in the nearest future.

Earlier before the meeting, the movement met with the Student Union President, Com. Stable, who said he was aware of the committee’s decision. Stating that, issues of burglary has always been recorded at the students affairs unit. The information was also complemented by the Dean, Students affairs of the Noble institution.

In attendance: The Rector; Prof KA Adebiyi and some members of the management team, NAN General Secretary: Com Salawudeen Oyewale George Wale, Comrade Tiamiyu Olayinka Principle, Comrade Olope.