In a statement released on Monday, NANS officials, including Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah, Secretary-General Ojetola Babatunde, and Public Relations Officer Tope Olugbemi, expressed grave concerns regarding the safety of students. Reports of shootings, intimidation, and politically motivated violence have heightened fears among students both on and off campus.
“The current atmosphere does not guarantee the safety of students or allow academic activities to proceed without fear,” the statement read. NANS highlighted incidents of gunfire in communities near educational institutions, particularly during nighttime, which has exacerbated student anxiety.
The association criticized the lack of a robust security framework to protect students, their hostels, and surrounding communities during the election period. NANS has directed all its structures, including Joint Campus Council officials and Students’ Union Governments, to prepare for the impending shutdown.
“Given the deteriorating security situation, we declare our intention to commence a total and peaceful shutdown of academic activities across Osun State's tertiary institutions,” NANS stated. They also urged students to return home until peace and safety are restored.
While asserting students' constitutional rights to participate in the electoral process, NANS warned against the exploitation of students by political figures. “We are not against lawful voter education or registration,” the statement clarified. “However, students must not be manipulated for electoral gains.”
NANS advised students to remain vigilant, avoiding unverified individuals and vehicles, and to vote based on competence and credibility rather than intimidation or inducement. “We urge every student in Osun State to vote according to conscience, not empty campaign promises,” they emphasized.
The organization reassured that the shutdown is not politically motivated but a necessary measure to protect student welfare. “We would rather temporarily suspend academic activities than issue condolence statements after preventable harm comes to our members,” they asserted.
NANS also called on political parties and their supporters to keep violence away from campuses. “No campus should become a recruitment center for political thuggery,” they stated, urging students to avoid violent gatherings and uphold the law.
They appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke, security agencies, and civil society organizations to prioritize student safety above political ambitions. “The protection of lives is the first responsibility of government,” NANS remarked, stressing that political interests should never overshadow the safety of citizens.
Until adequate security measures are implemented and constructive dialogue with student leadership occurs, NANS maintains that academic activities cannot continue. “No security, no academic activities,” they declared, emphasizing that student safety is non-negotiable.
In conclusion, NANS reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and lives of Nigerian students, stating, “An injury to one Nigerian student is an injury to all.”
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