“This Program Will Not Hold again Due to The Situation on Ground”-DAO Orders Immediate Dismissal as Unexpected Fight Disrupts SUA Debate Competition

By: Boluwaji Daso

The highly anticipated Students Union Association (SUA) debate competition for the 2022/2023 academic session at the Daily Part-Time program, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has abruptly canceled after a heated altercation erupted in the Institution campus resulting in a mixed fight disruption. 

The decision was made by the institution's Directorate Affairs Officer (DAO), Mrs Faniyi M.V with the utmost priority given to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all involved.

However, the SUA debate competition, known for its lively discussions and intellectual exchange among students from various disciplines, was set to take place on 7th October, 2023 at the institution's prestigious campus. Also, tensions escalated during one of the debate rounds, leading to a physical altercation between students outside the hall.

Eyewitnesses reported that the exchange became increasingly heated and personal, deviating from the usual decorum expected in a competitive debate setting. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, prompting event organizers and security personnel to intervene and diffuse the escalating conflict.

Recognizing the potential risks to the well-being of the participants and the audience, the DAO of the institution swiftly made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the debate competition. Concerns regarding the safety of attendees and the potential for further disruptions were cited as the primary reasons behind the cancellation.

In a statement released by some of the students  of the institution, expressed regret over the unfortunate incident and emphasized the importance of fostering an environment that promotes healthy discourse and respectful engagement. A student who preferred to remain anonymous said, "We deeply value the principles of open dialogue and intellectual exchange. And the safety and well-being of all students and participants are of paramount importance.”

Additionally, Efforts are now underway to address the aftermath of the incident and to review the institution's protocols for future events. The DAO, in collaboration with the SUA and relevant stakeholders, will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mixed fight disruption. Measures will be taken to prevent such incidents and ensure the resumption of engaging and constructive events in the future.

Moreso, the unexpected incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining respectful and peaceful interactions, especially in the context of intellectual debates. It also highlights the responsibility of participants to uphold the values of healthy discourse and engage in a civil manner.

As the institution and SUA strive to learn from this incident, they remain committed to providing a platform for students to express their opinions, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and develop their skills in critical thinking and public speaking.

In a similar vein, the cancellation of the SUA debate competition due to a mixed fight disruption has left many disappointed, but it has also opened up a broader conversation about the boundaries of healthy debate and the need for respectful engagement in academic settings. The institution management has said they will work diligently to ensure that future events are conducted in a safe and inclusive manner while upholding the spirit of intellectual discourse.

 

“This program will not hold again due to situation on ground, You can now go home.” She stated