Iseyin college blames rivals, ex-staff for student protest

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The management of Iseyin College of Science and Health Technology has blamed rival institutions and some former staff members for the recent student protest over concerns about course accreditation and certificate authenticity. The proprietor, Mr. Sunday Owoseni, in a statement, alleged that the unrest was orchestrated by individuals threatened by the institution’s recognition by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He noted that the college, alongside the Oyo State College of Health Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, is among the few institutions in the state with NBTE approval, a development he said has unsettled operators of unapproved private colleges.

Owoseni claimed that some dismissed staff members, disengaged for failing to meet standards of discipline and accountability, had collaborated with certain institutions to incite students against the college’s leadership.

Describing the protest as avoidable, he said students’ concerns could have been resolved through engagement with management rather than public demonstration.

He explained that while the college runs accredited programmes, efforts are on-going to secure approval for additional courses, adding that students are regularly briefed on accreditation processes. The proprietor disclosed that those allegedly involved in instigating the protest had been identified and reported to security agencies.

Owoseni expressed appreciation to stakeholders, including the Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Rasaq Fadiran, and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, for their intervention in restoring calm.

He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and community development.