A former student of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state has taken the
institution to court, challenging his illegal expulsion for allegedly
watching Pòrnography 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 Pòrnographic films or photographs, exploring or
viewing Pòrnographic 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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