Youths disrupt activities at Auchi Poly

Youths from the Auchi community in Estako West Local Government of Edo State yesterday disrupted academic activities at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi.
The youths, under the aegis of Auchi Youth for Change, said they were protesting the reappointment of Dr. Phillpa Idogho as the Rector of the institution.
Sources told The Nation that the youths stormed the polytechnic with placards despite attempts by the security personnel to stop them.
The sources said the lecturers quickly stopped lectures and students were asked to go back to their hostels to avert clash between them and the youths.
According to the sources, the youths said the process that led to the reappointment of Idogho was flawed and that the institution’s host community, Auchi, does not benefit in terms of admission and employment.
The Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mustapha Oshiobugie, confirmed the protest, but said the students were advised not to confront the protesters.
Oshiobugie, who declared that there was ‘no vacancy’ for the position of a Rector, said the protesters were sponsored.
He said: “The incumbent Rector has not done anything to warrant the protest. Sponsored youths from Auchi came to disrupt academic activities. The management told the students not to confront the youths, to avert crisis.”
The PRO said the relationship between the institution and Auchi community was cordial, adding that security has been beefed up within the polytechnic.