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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has declared a “total and peaceful” shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State, citing escalating political violence ahead of the governorship election.
In a Monday statement signed on behalf of the leadership by Coordinator, Comrade Josiah Adeyemo; Secretary General, Com. Babatunde Ojetola; and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Tope Olugbemi, NANS said the prevailing atmosphere no longer guarantees the safety of students.
The association noted with “grave concern the alarming escalation of political violence, shootings, intimidation and politically related killings across Osun State.”
It added that reports of gunshots in communities surrounding some institutions, particularly at night, have heightened anxiety among students residing on and off campus.
NANS said despite the vulnerability of students, there has been “no comprehensive and publicly communicated security arrangement” to protect campuses, host communities, student residential areas and major transportation routes.
“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 body said.
NANS also warned against the alleged mobilisation of students by political parties for voter registration and other election-related activities.
While stating that students have the constitutional right to vote, the association cautioned them against being “deceptively transported, profiled, pressured or treated merely as electoral statistics.”
“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,” NANS said.
Considering what it described as a deteriorating security situation, NANS Southwest Zone D declared its intention to commence a “total and peaceful shutdown of academic activities” across tertiary institutions in Osun State.
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All NANS structures, Joint Campus Council officials, Students’ Union Governments and students were directed to prepare for full compliance.
Students were also asked to prepare to return peacefully to their homes until peace and adequate safety are restored.
The association said the precise date, duration and operational details of the action would be communicated through recognised NANS and Students’ Union channels.
“This action is not politically sponsored. It is not directed toward promoting or opposing any political party, candidate or political interest. It is a necessary protective measure arising from our responsibility to defend the lives, welfare and constitutional rights of Nigerian students,” the statement further reads.
NANS warned all political parties, candidates and supporters to keep violence away from campuses, stating that no campus must be converted into a recruitment centre for political thuggery.
“We shall document and publicly expose any political organisation found exploiting, threatening, manipulating or endangering students,” NANS said, while also directing students not to join violent gatherings or carry weapons.
The association called on the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, security agencies, heads of institutions, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to act urgently to protect students.
“The protection of lives is the first responsibility of government. Political ambition must never be placed above the safety of citizens,” NANS stated.
It insisted that until credible security guarantees are provided and genuine engagement is initiated with student leadership, its position remains: “NO SECURITY, NO ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES. OUR CAMPUSES WILL NOT BECOME KILLING FIELDS.”
Copied in the statement were the Osun State Governor, Commissioner of Police, DSS, NSCDC, INEC, heads of tertiary institutions, and other stakeholders.
