Students have been urged to desist from cultism, embrace peace and qualitative education so as to safeguard their future.
This was part of the advice given by the Delta State Police Command and other stakeholders at a gathering of students from polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology at the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara in Ehiope West Local Government Area.
The growing incidences of cultism and other vices in schools particularly tertiary institutions in Nigeria have been challenging for parents who hope to see their children graduate and become useful to themselves and for national development.
It is from this background that the theme: “Student Crisis, Cultism and Qualitative Education” drew strength for the 2021 national delegates conference of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, which considered the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, suitable for the advocacy.
The Sapele Police Area Commander, ACP Sani Nufawa, represented by SP Samuel Onwuaw stressed the need for everyone to work towards the nation’s security explaining that the security agencies in the country will continue to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.
Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government, represented by Hon. Henry Eghewubare and two guest speakers at the conference, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Jude Fregene, a lawyer and the Rose Iweta all harped on the need for students to shun cultism because it leads to loss of values among young people and death with attendant consequences on the development of the country.
They urged students to always report nefarious activities on campus to the relevant authorities as it will help to curb the menace of cultism.
President, National Association of Polytechnic Students, Comrade Olaalere Adetunji and his Vice, Comrade Blessing Adogbeji noted that cult clashes have left many students wounded, maimed, killed, rusticated and expelled from school thereby truncating their lives as future leaders of the country.
They urged students of Polytechnics not to see themselves as second class graduates as recent research has shown that most companies are in need of Polytechnic graduates because of their practical knowledge.
Adetunji, Adogbeji and other speakers also called on the government and school authorities to include recreational and other activities to positively engage the students.
The Rector and Dean of Students Affairs, Delta State Polytechnic, Professor Emmanuel Ogujor and Pastor Samuel Enudi were honoured by the students.
