A former student of Covenant University,
Ota, Ogun state has taken the institution to court, challenging his
illegal expulsion for allegedly watching pornography and secular music
on his laptop.
The student, Vwamhi Longji Felix,
in his 24-paragraph affidavit to support his claim, 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
offence 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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