A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), popularly known among students as Fredo, has issued a stern warning to National Diploma 1 (ND1) students over poor class attendance. He threatened to fail defaulters and escalate the issue to the Head of Department (HOD).
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, the visibly frustrated lecturer is heard addressing students during a late evening class.
“They feel like Fredo is a nice lecturer and so they shouldn’t come. I promise you I’ll fail more than half of you. We have 300 students in this class. I’ll report to the HOD that people that come to class in ND1 are not even up to a hundred. I promise you I’m going to set a test by 6 o’clock, this is 5:36pm,” he said.
The video, which appeared to be recorded with the lecturer’s consent, ends with him encouraging the person behind the camera to upload it online.
His remarks have since triggered mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter), where users debated the ethics and implications of his statement.
User @reggypanache wrote:
“It’s obvious that he’s had it up to here. Those making excuses for the absentees—I hope you can see that others are in class.”
However, others expressed concerns over the timing of the class and the potential risks students face when attending evening lectures.
@barrystar_22 commented:
“He said this is 5:36 and by 6 he is going to set a test. I don’t get it! Why fix class by 5:30? How can students make it to class by that time and still get home safely? Considering the security issues in this country. Let’s be reasonable, please!”
YABATECH, like many Nigerian tertiary institutions, maintains a strict attendance policy requiring students to achieve at least 75% attendance to qualify for semester examinations. While this is aimed at promoting academic seriousness, some stakeholders argue that rigid enforcement—particularly when paired with threats—could create tension and add pressure on students.
As of press time, the institution has not released an official statement concerning the video.
However, an internal memo dated June 5, 2024, signed by Assistant Registrar Igrl U. E. on behalf of the Deputy Rector (Academics), reiterates the school’s stance on attendance enforcement.
“I am directed to remind you of the College Management decision on the need for students to obtain 75% minimum class attendance before being allowed to sit for any semester examination in the College,” the memo reads in part.
It further directs Heads of Departments to compile and forward attendance records by the 12th week of lectures for review by the Internal Quality Assurance unit, in line with broader efforts to discourage absenteeism and uphold academic standards across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
