An expelled student of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state
has dragged the institution to court, challenging his illegal expulsion over
allegations of watching pornography and secular music on his laptop.
The student, Vwamhi Longji Felix, stated that before he was
expelled his parents had spent not less than N10 million on his school fees and
other expenses. He was a 400 level student of Communication Technology
reportedly expelled on 23rd November 2012, following a night raid by the
Student Affairs’ Unit of the institution. This was followed by his appearance
before the school’s disciplinary panel which recommended his expulsion.
Vanguard reports that
at the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the prosecuting counsel Segun
Fatoki, told the court that Felix was allegedly expelled without an opportunity
of a proper hearing or viewing the evidence in accordance with the standard
practice as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
1999.
He also claimed that his expulsion was a violation of Section
44 of Chapter 4 of the student Handbook of the Covenant University.
However, the school in
its counter affidavit stated that in the school hand book it was noted that
students are not allowed to be in possession of unholy films and home video or
circular music tapes, either stored or directly in the computer or listen
through the use of computer radio or any other electronic device when on campus
during an academic session.
Also, the school
claimed that it is an offense that will attract punishment of expulsion for any
student who indulges himself or herself in public display of or be in
possession of pornographic films or photographs, exploring or viewing
pornographic websites on the internet.
Vanguard reports
that after listening to both parties, Justice Mobolaji Ojo of Ogun State High
Court said they should allow every individual to grow life that they need to
live adding that if at age 15 to 17 they don’t live that life, they would live
it when they are 30 to 35 because of too much rules. “A youth must live like a
youth and an adolescent must live like an adolescent. If all of the traits of a
youth are not allowed to be exhibited at the right time, it would be done at
the wrong time,” Vanguard quoted him as saying. The case was adjourned till
March 27, 2013.
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