The Council of Past Students’ Union Leaders of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), demanding urgent resolution of what it described as the unjust denial of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation to a recent graduate of the institution.
At a press briefing held on Tuesday, July 1, in Akure, the council expressed strong dissatisfaction over JAMB’s handling of the case involving Mr. Jamiu Owodunni Basola, a 2024 graduate of Civil Engineering, who finished with a Second Class Upper Division but has yet to be mobilised for NYSC due to what JAMB termed an issue with the legality of his admission.
Chairman of the council, Dr. Olaitan Adesomoju, said the university had fulfilled all academic and administrative requirements confirming Mr. Jamiu’s studentship, including clearances from the Head of Department, Dean of Students Affairs, and the Vice Chancellor.
“Mr. Jamiu’s admission and graduation were duly approved by the University Senate. However, despite the institution’s official confirmation, JAMB continues to raise objections, which has led to his exclusion from the NYSC mobilisation list,” Dr. Adesomoju said.
He noted that the matter had been investigated by the Nigeria Police, which, after reviewing relevant documents, forwarded its findings to JAMB Headquarters. However, the council lamented the continued silence and lack of resolution from the examination body.
In a strongly worded statement, the council outlined five key demands:
- FUTA’s name and image should be dissociated from the controversy, as the institution has fulfilled its obligations.
- Mr. Jamiu’s admission status should be reviewed and validated without further delay.
- He should be promptly mobilised for NYSC to enable him to serve his country.
- JAMB should ensure transparent communication with both Mr. Jamiu and the university regarding the matter.
- The outcome of investigations by the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) should be made public.
The council warned that failure to meet these demands within seven days would compel it to mobilise its network, stage peaceful protests, and escalate the matter to relevant authorities and stakeholders.
“We will not stand idly by while one of our own is subjected to emotional and psychological trauma due to bureaucratic inefficiencies,” Dr. Adesomoju said.
The council called on the media, civil society, and the general public to rally in support of Mr. Jamiu, urging swift and just resolution of the matter.
“We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of FUTA graduates and all Nigerian students,” the council concluded.
