Authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have reinstated two rusticated students, one of them visually-impaired, arising from a 2015 protest over official neglect of the halls of residence.
The management had come under wide condemnation since the decision to rusticate the visually-impaired student, Lawrence Unezinwa Success and his colleague, Ochuba Chichebe Polycarp, who already obtained his certificate upon his graduation.
Some student activists protested the university’s action, but the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rahman Bello, using Lagos Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni, framed those students and had them arrested and arraigned before a mobile magistrate court that was supposed to be dealing with traffic and similar matters.
The activists were hauled off to prison by the kangaroo court, but released following intense public pressure and protests of that awkward order.
In its letter notifying Mr. Ochuba of the new development, the university said in a letter dated April 10 that in response to pleas for leniency from the students, the recommendation of the Students Disciplinary Board and the penalty of rustication for two semesters was reviewed.
“Your studentship is hereby reinstated,” it said in the letter, signed by Dr. Taiwo F. Ipaye, the Registrar & Secretary to the Council. “By a copy of this letter, your Parents/Sponsor and relevant organs of the university are being informed of your reinstatement.”
Our correspondent called Lawrence, who confirmed he has been informed of a letter waiting for him at the department, and that he was sure it has the same content as that of his colleague, which announced the reversal of the rustication order.