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
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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