Release graduates’ results or risk youths being used as political thugs- Oye residents warn FUOYE

Residents of Oye-Ekiti have cautioned the management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, against unnecessary delays in processing and releasing outstanding academic results and graduation documents, warning that keeping graduates idle for too long could make them vulnerable to political manipulation and recruitment for thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists, one of the residents, Mr Sunday Komolafe, said the prolonged delay had left some of the affected youths frustrated and unable to pursue employment and other opportunities that could help them become productive members of society.

He alleged that some of the affected youths were already being approached by political interests and advised to disguise themselves as indigenes of different communities to facilitate their involvement in political activities.

Reacting, the Dean of Student Affairs, FUOYE, Prof. Temitope Babalola, said the university had addressed complaints from some affected students and commenced the issuance of their results.

“I have met with some of the affected students, and the problem has been resolved. Results are already being issued,” Babalola said.

He assured the affected students that the university was committed to resolving outstanding academic issues, adding that the engagement with the students was aimed at addressing their complaints and ensuring that necessary academic processes were completed.

Also speaking, the President of the FUOYE Students’ Union Government, Olusegun Ajayi, said the union was aware of complaints relating to delays in the processing of students’ results and had engaged the university management to address the matter.

Ajayi said the union had formally communicated the complaints to the school authorities, urging them to review the situation and ensure that affected students received the necessary attention.

He said the union would continue to engage the university management to ensure a favourable resolution of the complaints.

On the concerns about the vulnerability of idle youths to political manipulation, Ajayi advised graduates still residing around the university community to exercise caution and avoid being used to cause violence during electioneering activities.

He said students had the constitutional right to participate in elections and support candidates of their choice but should not allow political interests to draw them into activities capable of disrupting public peace.

Ajayi added that the students’ union would engage its members to promote peaceful participation in the electoral process, stressing that their welfare and safety remained a priority.

The residents urged the university management to expedite action on the release of the outstanding results to enable graduates to pursue employment opportunities, further their education and engage in productive activities rather than remain stranded on campus.