Osun poll: NANS demands protection for students, warns political thugs off campuses

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Osun State is preparing to halt all academic activities, citing escalating political violence ahead of the governorship election. The student body expressed grave concerns over shootings, intimidation, and politically motivated killings, stating the current security climate makes it impossible for students to continue their studies safely.

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The prevailing atmosphere is no longer one that guarantees the safety of students or allows academic activities to continue without fear.

In a joint statement, NANS highlighted that students cannot be expected to attend lectures or move freely when violence is becoming normalized and innocent residents are caught in the crossfire. Reports of nighttime gunshots near tertiary institutions have intensified fear among students living both on and off campus. The association also criticized the perceived lack of a comprehensive security plan to protect campuses, hostels, and transportation routes during the election period.

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Students cannot be expected to continue attending lectures and moving around freely when violence is gradually becoming normalised and innocent residents are caught in conflicts they neither created nor participated in.

NANS has alerted its officials and student government bodies to prepare for a "total and peaceful shutdown." Students will be advised to return home until peace and adequate safety are restored. The exact timing and duration of the shutdown will be communicated through official NANS and Student Union channels. While affirming students' right to participate in the electoral process, NANS cautioned against political actors exploiting undergraduates for electoral advantage.

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Considering the deteriorating security situation and the absence of sufficient assurances for the protection of students, NANS Southwest Zone D hereby declares its intention to commence a total and peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State.