Political Violence: NANS Plans Academic Shutdown In Osun

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has announced plans to embark on a peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State over growing concerns about political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The student body said the planned action was prompted by what it described as a worsening security situation, marked by shootings, intimidation and politically motivated killings in different parts of the state.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Monday and jointly signed by the Zone D Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, Secretary-General, Ojetola Babatunde, and Public Relations Officer, Tope Olugbemi.

According to the association, the rising incidents of violence have created an atmosphere of fear that no longer guarantees the safety of students or supports normal academic activities.

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

“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 statement read.

NANS noted that reports of gunshots in communities surrounding some tertiary institutions, particularly at night, had left many students living on and off campus feeling unsafe.

The association also faulted what it described as the lack of a comprehensive security strategy to protect campuses, student hostels, neighbouring communities and major transport routes during the election period.

It said its leadership structures, including Joint Campus Council officials, Students’ Union Governments, senators and other stakeholders, had been placed on alert ahead of the planned action.

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

“Students should also prepare to return peacefully to their respective homes until peace, stability and adequate safety are restored across the state,” the association stated.

NANS, however, said the date, duration and implementation details of the proposed shutdown would be communicated through its recognised channels and Students’ Union platforms.

While encouraging students to exercise their constitutional right to vote and participate in the democratic process, the association warned political actors against involving undergraduates in electoral violence or using them for political purposes.

It maintained that although it supports lawful voter education, registration and participation, the security and welfare of students must remain paramount.

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