The proposed demolition of the Student Union Building at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has sparked widespread outrage and disappointment among students and alumni of the institution. The building, which has been a hub of student activity and a symbol of student activism, is slated for demolition to make way for a new auditorium.
However, students and alumni have vehemently opposed the plan, arguing that the building holds historical significance and is an integral part of the institution’s heritage. In a statement, the Student Union Government (SUG) described the proposed demolition as “a brazen attack on the union’s heritage and the collective memory of its students.”
“The Student Union Building is more than just a physical structure,” said the SUG President. “It is a symbol of student power, autonomy, and self-expression. It has been the site of countless meetings, rallies, and events that have shaped our institution’s history. Demolishing this building would erase a vital part of our heritage and undermine the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that our institution purports to uphold.”
Students and alumni have taken to social media to express their opposition to the proposed demolition, using hashtags such as #SaveOurUnionBuilding and #PreserveOurHeritage. They have also called on the institution’s management to reconsider its decision and explore alternative solutions, such as renovating or restoring the building.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest Zone has also weighed in on the issue, warning the institution’s management that “any attempt to demolish the Student Union Building without proper consultation with students and stakeholders will be met with resistance.”
“We urge the management to engage in a meaningful dialogue with students and stakeholders to find a solution that meets everyone’s needs,” said the NANS Zonal Coordinator. “The Student Union Building is a sacred institution that belongs to the students, and any decision regarding its fate must be made with their input and consent.”
The institution’s management has yet to respond to the outcry, but students and alumni remain determined to protect their heritage and traditions. A protest rally is planned for later this week, and students have vowed to continue fighting until their demands are met.
As one student put it, “We will not stand idly by while our heritage is destroyed. We will fight tirelessly to preserve our legacy and ensure that the Student Union Building remains a proud symbol of our institution’s rich history and tradition of student activism.”
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the importance of preserving historical buildings and the role of student activism in shaping institutional policies. As the standoff between students and management continues, one thing is clear: the fate of the Student Union Building will not be decided without a fight.
