The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to suspend academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State over what it described as growing political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The warning was contained in a statement jointly signed on Monday by the association’s Southwest Zone D Coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo, Secretary-General, Babatunde Ojetola, and Public Relations Officer, Tope Olugbemi.
NANS said the planned shutdown was aimed at protecting students from the worsening security situation allegedly linked to political activities in the state.
According to the association, students may be directed to vacate campuses and return home if the security situation continues to deteriorate.
The student body expressed concern over reports of shootings, intimidation and politically motivated killings in parts of Osun, saying the incidents had heightened fear among students living both on and off campus.
It maintained that the prevailing security situation no longer guarantees a safe and conducive environment for learning.
The association also faulted what it described as inadequate security measures to protect campuses, student hostels, surrounding communities and major transportation routes during the election period.
“Nigerian students cannot be expected to continue attending lectures when violence is gradually becoming normalised. Innocent residents are being caught in conflicts they neither created nor participated in,” the statement read.
NANS further alleged that some political actors were mobilising students for voter registration and other election-related activities.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of students to participate in the electoral process, the association warned against their exploitation for political purposes.
It advised students not to hand over sensitive personal information to unidentified individuals or board unmarked vehicles operated by strangers.
The association urged students to vote based on competence, credibility, and candidates’ commitment to education, rather than on inducements, intimidation, or political pressure.
NANS said its structures, including Joint Campus Council officials, Students’ Union Governments and other stakeholders, had been placed on alert in preparation for what it described as a total but peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in the state if the situation fails to improve.
It noted that the date, duration and operational details of the proposed strike would be announced through official NANS and Students’ Union communication channels.
The association stressed that the planned action was not politically motivated and should not be interpreted as support for or opposition to any political party or candidate.
It also warned politicians and their supporters against turning campuses into centres for political violence or recruiting students as political thugs.
“We shall document and publicly expose any political organisation found exploiting, threatening, manipulating or endangering students,” the statement added.
NANS further urged students to avoid violent gatherings, refrain from carrying weapons and resist any attempt to involve them in election-related violence.
The association called on the Osun State Government, security agencies and other election stakeholders to take urgent steps to restore confidence and guarantee the safety of students.
It maintained that until credible security assurances are provided and student leaders are adequately engaged, its position remains: “No security, no academic activities.”
