Tension erupted at the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) on Tuesday as Adedoyin Temitope, a graduate of the Geography Department, was arrested by police after a dramatic protest against the institution’s failure to mobilize him for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Temitope, a well-known former student activist popularly called “Matuwo,” has reportedly been waiting for over two years to be cleared for service, while his former classmates have already completed their mandatory one-year program.
The Protest at the Senate Building
Frustrated by what he termed “administrative inaction,” Temitope allegedly picketed the university’s Senate building on Tuesday, locking the gates to prevent entry and exit. According to sources on the ground, the move was a desperate attempt to force an audience with the university management after years of failed negotiations.
The situation escalated when the University Vice Chancellor reportedly summoned the Nigeria Police Force. Witnesses claim Temitope was manhandled during the arrest before being transferred from Ilesa to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Osogbo.
The “Three-Alphabet” JAMB Dispute
At the heart of the crisis is a technical discrepancy regarding Temitope’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration.
- The University’s Stand: Management reportedly claims his registration contains three alphabets instead of the standard two, creating a bottleneck in the NYSC portal.
- The Student’s Defense: Supporters argue that a student cannot “manufacture” a registration number and that the onus is on the institution to rectify administrative errors with JAMB.
The breaking point allegedly occurred last month when the university reportedly informed Temitope that he would neither be mobilized for service nor issued an official exemption letter, effectively leaving his professional future in limbo.
Allegations of Victimization
Fellow graduates and activists have suggested that the delay is not merely technical but political. Temitope was a vocal advocate for student rights during his undergraduate years, frequently challenging the school authorities.
”He was a voice for the voiceless,” a source told SaharaReporters. “We believe he is being intentionally punished for his past interventions in the school’s affairs.”
Current Status
The University of Ilesa management has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest or the specific technical barriers preventing Temitope’s mobilization. Meanwhile, the graduate remains in police custody in Osogbo, sparking calls from the student body for his immediate release and a transparent resolution to the registration crisis.
What This Means for Students: This incident highlights the ongoing struggles many Nigerian graduates face with JAMB-NYSC synchronization, often leading to years of “waiting time” that delay career starts and professional development.
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