Unfortunately, Our Supposed Parents, In loco Parentis, Have Failed To Fulfill Their Parental Roles By Taiwo Emmanuel (Network),NANS JCC Osun

Anyone can have a child and call themselves "parents," but the true essence of parenthood lies in placing the interests of their children above their own selfish desires and wants.

When I first gained admission to this prestigious campus, I was filled with excitement and joy. I was particularly inspired by the eloquent words of the then-University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, who presented himself as our parental figure. However, with time, I came to realize that these words from the OAU administration were merely rhetoric, designed to create a fleeting spectacle and one of the tactics used to disempower students. These same tactics are now being employed by the current Vice Chancellor, who is an ally of Ogunbodede and a former deputy Vice Chancellor. The current VC has often claimed to be our father and protector of our interests, but his actions consistently contradict his professions.

Numerous events have unfolded, and those who professed to be our parents have, in fact, undermined our interests. It raises questions about what kind of parent nurtures their children in such a manner.

When students stand up for just causes, such as protesting against exorbitant school fees and the lack of basic necessities like water, the university's administration is quick to condemn such actions. However, when students' lives are in jeopardy, they remain eerily silent and passive.

The height of this hypocrisy by the administration occurred yesterday when uniformed individuals, commonly known as EFCC, invaded hostels in Ife and abducted 69 OAU students at around 2 a.m. One would expect those who claimed to be our parents to take immediate action and secure the release of these students from their captors. Unfortunately, as of now, not a single statement has been issued by them.

The fact that 69 students under their care were kidnapped, and they show no urgency or concern, is bewildering. These students, who should ideally have on-campus accommodation, are forced to rent apartments off-campus because the OAU management prioritizes less significant matters over providing sufficient school hostels to ease the students' burdens. One would ordinarily anticipate the management to protect these students, but instead, they seem to support injustices against them.

When we protested against the exorbitant school fees, the administration easily threatened to disband the union and emotionally manipulated the students. Yet, they remained silent as students under their care were kidnapped.

We have demonstrated to the management that in our unity there is strength, and we can achieve all things without the school management. Today's victory is a testament to this, despite their reluctance to see us emancipated. The students took charge of the situation and mobilized, and the results were fruitful.

I commend every OAU student who played a role in securing the release of our fellow students abducted by EFCC. As a fellow student, I urge you all to remain vigilant about your security, as our so-called parents have disavowed us and abandoned their parental responsibilities.