Osun Guber Poll: NANS Threatens Academic Shutdown Over Student Safety

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has declared its intention to initiate a complete and orderly suspension of academic pursuits across all tertiary institutions in Osun State. This decision stems from increasing worries regarding political unrest as the state's gubernatorial election approaches. The student body conveyed this stance in a statement released on Monday, bearing the signatures of its Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah; Secretary-General, Ojetola Babatunde; and Public Relations Officer, Tope Olugbemi.

NANS explained that this resolution was made following its observation of what it termed a disturbing surge in political aggression, including gunfire incidents, harassment, and politically motivated fatalities throughout Osun State. The association emphasized that the current security climate no longer guarantees the well-being of students or permits the undisturbed continuation of academic programmes.

The statement quoted, "The prevailing atmosphere is no longer one that guarantees the safety of students or allows academic activities to continue without fear." It further elaborated, "Students cannot be expected to continue attending lectures and moving around freely when violence is gradually becoming normalised and innocent residents are being caught in conflicts they neither created nor participated in."

The student organization highlighted that accounts of nighttime gunshots in areas bordering several tertiary institutions have intensified anxiety among students residing both within and outside campus grounds. Furthermore, NANS voiced apprehension concerning the perceived lack of a robust security framework explicitly tailored to safeguard campuses, student accommodations, neighbouring communities, and key transit paths during the election season.

NANS confirmed that all its constituent bodies, including Joint Campus Council officials, Students’ Union Governments, senators, and various stakeholders, have been duly informed and instructed to prepare for the impending academic suspension.

"Considering the deteriorating security situation and the absence of sufficient assurances for the protection of students," NANS Southwest Zone D declared, "NANS Southwest Zone D hereby declares its intention to commence a total and peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State." The association further advised, "Students should also prepare to return peacefully to their respective homes until peace, stability and adequate safety are restored across the state."

However, the association clarified that the precise commencement date, duration, and operational specifics of this measure would be disseminated exclusively via official NANS and Students’ Union communication channels.

While reiterating students' constitutional entitlement to engage in the electoral process, the association issued a caution to political figures against leveraging undergraduates for their electoral advantage.

The statement read: "We are not opposed to lawful voter education, registration or political participation. Nigerian students have the constitutional right to register, vote and participate responsibly in the democratic process." It added, "However, students must never be deceptively transported, profiled, pressured or treated merely as electoral statistics by political actors whose only interest in them begins and ends with securing their votes."

Furthermore, NANS cautioned students against divulging sensitive personal data to strangers or boarding unmarked vehicles driven by individuals whose identities cannot be confirmed.

The student body implored students to cast their votes based on merit and trustworthiness, as opposed to succumbing to intimidation or enticement.

"We therefore urge every student in Osun State to vote according to conscience, competence, credibility and proven commitment to education and student welfare—not according to intimidation, inducement or empty campaign promises," the statement affirmed.

NANS firmly asserted that the planned academic halt was not politically driven, but rather a measure solely aimed at safeguarding students.

"This action is not politically sponsored. It is not directed toward promoting or opposing any political party, candidate or political interest," NANS declared. The association continued, "It is a necessary protective measure arising from our responsibility to defend the lives, welfare and constitutional rights of Nigerian students. We would rather temporarily suspend academic activities than issue condolence statements after preventable harm has been inflicted upon our members."

The association further cautioned political parties, their candidates, and their followers to ensure that campuses remain free from violence.

"No campus must be converted into a recruitment centre for political thuggery. No student must be targeted because of political opinion, association or refusal to support a particular candidate," the statement emphasized.

Students were also advised against participating in violent assemblies or resorting to self-help.

Urging Governor Ademola Adeleke, security agencies, leaders of tertiary institutions, traditional and religious authorities, civil society groups, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intervene swiftly, the association underscored that safeguarding lives must supersede political considerations.

The statement noted, "The protection of lives is the first responsibility of government. Political ambition must never be placed above the safety of citizens."

It further insisted that authorities must move beyond mere public pronouncements and instead offer tangible security assurances for students.

NANS affirmed that its stance would not waver until the government initiates genuine dialogue with student leaders and furnishes credible security guarantees.

The statement concluded with NANS's firm position: "Until credible security guarantees are provided and genuine engagement is initiated with the student leadership, our position remains firm: No security, no academic activities. Our campuses will not become killing fields. Our students will not be used as political tools. The safety of Nigerian students is not negotiable. An injury to one Nigerian student is an injury to all."