In the early hours of Wednesday, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, voiced its concern over an unexpected raid by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on off-campus student hostels. This incident, which saw the arrest of some students, has sparked a dialogue on the appropriateness of law enforcement tactics in academic communities.
In a recent development that has sparked widespread attention, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, has publicly voiced its concerns over an unexpected incident involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to reports, EFCC operatives conducted a midnight operation at off-campus student hostels in the Orita Obele area of Akure around 2 am on Wednesday. This operation led to the arrest of several students, raising questions and concerns within the university community.
| 📅 Date | Wednesday, February 14, 2024 |
| 📍 Location | Orita Obele, Akure, Off-Campus Hostels |
| 🚓 Agency | Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) |
| 🎓 Institution | Federal University of Technology, Akure |
| 📣 Response | University expresses displeasure, highlights need for due process |
| 🕒 Timing | Raid occurred around 2 am |
| 📜 Rights | University advocates for students’ rights and welfare |
| 📚 Policy | University to follow students’ code of conduct in addressing the situation |
University’s Official Statement
Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo, the university’s Director of Corporate Communications, released a statement clarifying the situation and expressing the institution’s stance. He emphasized that the EFCC’s operation did not take place within the university’s premises or its directly affiliated hostels but instead targeted private hostels where FUTA students reside off-campus.
Concerns Over the Operation’s Conduct
The university has expressed significant reservations regarding both the timing and manner of the EFCC’s intervention. Descriptions of the operation detail how operatives allegedly entered the hostels, awakening and handling students in a manner that the university considers to be excessively aggressive and potentially harmful. The statement highlights the risks associated with such operations, stressing the importance of due process and the need to avoid causing physical or psychological harm to individuals involved.
Ongoing Dialogues
FUTA has taken proactive steps by engaging in discussions with the EFCC to ascertain the identities of the arrested individuals and confirm their enrollment status at the university. This effort aims to ensure that innocent students are not unduly penalized for offences they did not commit, maintaining the principle that students’ rights and well-being should be protected.
Zero Tolerance for Criminality
While the university stands firm in its critique of the operation’s execution, it also reaffirms its stance against all forms of anti-social behaviour and criminality. FUTA is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct, as outlined in its students’ code of conduct within the university handbook. The institution supports initiatives aimed at addressing illegal activities, provided they are conducted within the legal framework and respect the rights of those involved.
Conclusion
The Federal University of Technology, Akure’s response to the EFCC’s recent operation underscores the institution’s dedication to the welfare and rights of its students, even as it advocates for adherence to legal and ethical standards. As discussions between FUTA and the EFCC continue, the university community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds justice while safeguarding the educational environment against disruptions.