Osun
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has announced plans to shut down academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State over growing concerns about political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement jointly signed by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Kayode, Secretary-General, Comrade Ojetola Yusuf, and the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Tope Olugbemi, the association expressed concern over what it described as an alarming increase in politically motivated violence, shootings, intimidation and killings across the state.
The student body said the worsening security situation has created fear among students, particularly those living on and around campuses, noting that reports of gunshots in communities hosting tertiary institutions have become increasingly frequent.
NANS also lamented the absence of a clearly defined security framework to protect students, campuses, host communities and major transportation routes during the election period.
The association stated that the prevailing security situation no longer guarantees the safety of students or provides a conducive atmosphere for academic activities to continue without fear.
It maintained that students should not be expected to continue academic activities when their safety cannot be guaranteed, stressing that the protection of lives must take precedence over academic schedules.
NANS further raised concerns over the increasing mobilisation of students by political parties for voter registration and other electoral activities, warning that students must not be manipulated or used as political tools.
While affirming that students have constitutional rights to participate in the democratic process, the association advised them to remain vigilant, avoid disclosing personal information to unidentified individuals and refrain from boarding unverified vehicles under the guise of political mobilisation.
It also urged students to vote based on competence, credibility and commitment to education rather than inducement, intimidation or political pressure.
Announcing its next line of action, NANS disclosed that it had resolved to commence a total and peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State and directed all Joint Campus Councils (JCCs), Students’ Union Governments (SUGs), student leaders and stakeholders to prepare for full compliance.
The association also advised students to prepare to return to their respective homes until peace and adequate security are restored across the state, adding that details of the commencement date and operational modalities would be communicated through its official channels.
NANS stated that the proposed action is neither politically motivated nor intended to support or oppose any political party or candidate but is aimed solely at protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerian students.
The association said it would rather suspend academic activities temporarily than issue condolence messages over preventable harm to students.
NANS further warned political parties, candidates and their supporters to keep violence away from campuses, insisting that no tertiary institution should become a breeding ground for political thuggery.
The student body vowed to expose any political organisation found exploiting or endangering students and cautioned students against participating in violent political activities or taking the law into their own hands.
It also called on the Governor of Osun State, security agencies, heads of tertiary institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other election stakeholders to take urgent steps to guarantee the safety of students across the state.
The association maintained that unless credible security assurances are provided and meaningful engagement is initiated with the recognised leadership of Nigerian students, its position would remain unchanged.
NANS insisted that campuses must not become killing fields, students must not be used as political tools, and the safety of Nigerian students remains non-negotiable.
Tribune