NANS urges Kogi varsity to recall suspended students

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, to review the one-year suspension imposed on four students involved in a campus fight. NANS acknowledged the university's disciplinary actions but stressed the importance of measures being lawful, proportionate, and mindful of students' long-term futures.

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While NANS unequivocally condemns violence, fighting and every form of misconduct within our institutions of learning, we firmly believe that disciplinary measures should not only be lawful and proportionate but should also take into account the long-term impact such decisions may have on the future of the affected students.

In a statement signed by its National Treasurer, Asmawu Idris, NANS expressed particular concern for the suspended female students, noting they were reportedly first-time offenders. The association urged the university to consider alternative disciplinary measures that would correct and deter without unduly disrupting the academic pursuits and future aspirations of the students. NANS reiterated its condemnation of violence and all forms of misconduct on campuses.

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We are particularly concerned by reports that some female students have been handed a one-year suspension.

NANS stated its readiness to engage constructively with the university management to understand the circumstances of the incident and advocate for a resolution that is fair, balanced, and compassionate. This intervention focuses solely on the suspended students, while the university also expelled two other students for alleged gay practices, a matter not addressed by NANS in its statement.

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Without seeking to excuse acts of indiscipline or undermine the authority of the university, we respectfully appeal to the management to temper justice with mercy by considering alternative disciplinary measures that will serve the objectives of correction and deterrence without causing undue disruption to the academic pursuits and future aspirations of the students, especially as they are reportedly first-time offenders.