…seeks temporary suspension of academic activities over Osun election security concerns
By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, in conjunction with recognised student leadership structures across Osun State, has warned political parties and actors against dragging the student body into partisan politics ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The association said it remains a non-partisan organisation and has neither endorsed nor aligned with any political party or governorship candidate, stressing that it speaks with one voice only through its recognised leadership.
The position was contained in a joint statement issued on Friday by the Coordinator of NANS South-West Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode.
The student body also called for the temporary suspension of academic activities in tertiary institutions across Osun State ahead of the governorship election, citing growing security concerns.
According to the statement, the recommendation is not politically motivated but is intended solely to safeguard the lives of thousands of students studying in institutions across the state amid rising political tension.
NANS paid tribute to the late Comrade Abdullateef Olamilekan, popularly known as Lexzy, describing his death as a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting young people in the state.
It noted that the deceased served as a member of the Security Advisory Committee to the National President of NANS and was remembered for his commitment to the welfare and protection of students.
The association stressed that while individual student leaders are free to belong to political parties in their personal capacities, no individual or group has the authority to present personal political opinions as the collective position of Nigerian students.
It reaffirmed its neutrality and distanced the student movement from what it described as unauthorised political endorsements made in the name of students.
NANS also condemned cultism, armed robbery, drug abuse, violence and other criminal activities within and around campuses, while urging security agencies to carry out lawful operations without intimidating students.
The association expressed concern over the reported invasion of hostels occupied by students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) by personnel believed to be attached to the Nigerian Army, alleging that the operation involved harassment, assault and the seizure of students’ personal belongings.
It called on the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army Headquarters to conclude investigations into the incident transparently and ensure appropriate disciplinary action where necessary. It also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure justice is served.
According to NANS, it has received numerous reports from Students’ Union Governments and campus leaders regarding increasing political violence and insecurity in communities where students reside.
The association observed that many students live in off-campus hostels located in communities experiencing heightened political activities and violent clashes, making them vulnerable while attending lectures and other academic engagements.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, NANS maintained that the prevailing security situation requires stronger preventive measures and closer collaboration with the student community.
Consequently, it called for the temporary and orderly suspension of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State until after the governorship election and the restoration of a more stable security environment.
The association argued that while academic calendars can be adjusted and examinations rescheduled, the loss of students’ lives would be irreparable.
NANS disclosed that it has already communicated its concerns to relevant authorities and called on the Osun State Government, security agencies, the Ministry of Education, governing councils, vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts and managements of tertiary institutions to engage recognised student leaders within seven days to address the security challenges.
It warned that if no meaningful engagement is initiated within the stipulated period, it will, in consultation with recognised student leaders across the state, announce lawful, peaceful and democratic actions to protect the lives and welfare of students.
The association also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve security around campuses, student hostels and communities with large student populations.
“We have chosen dialogue because responsible leadership demands engagement before escalation. We therefore expect every stakeholder with a duty to protect students to act with urgency and sincerity.
“The Nigerian student community remains committed to peace, cooperation and the rule of law. We will continue to engage constructively, but we will also continue to speak firmly whenever the lives and welfare of students are threatened.
“Our position is clear. We are non-partisan. We stand only for the safety, welfare and future of Nigerian students. No election is worth the life of a single student,” the statement read.
NANS further urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns and refrain from recruiting or using students to perpetrate violence.
It also advised students to remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate peacefully in the electoral process and resist any attempt to involve them in political violence.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, peace and the rule of law, insisting that no election should be allowed to claim the life of any student.