The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has announced plans to commence a total and 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 association disclosed this in a Monday statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah; Secretary-General, Ojetola Babatunde; and Public Relations Officer, Tope Olugbemi.
NANS said it took the decision after observing what it described as an alarming escalation of political violence, shootings, intimidation and politically related killings across the state.
According to the association, the security situation no longer ensures students’ safety or supports the continuation of 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.
The student body said reports of gunshots in communities surrounding some tertiary institutions, particularly at night, had heightened fear among students living on and off campuses.
It also expressed concern over what it described as the absence of a comprehensive security arrangement specifically designed to protect campuses, student hostels, surrounding communities and major transportation routes during the election period.
NANS stated that all its structures, Joint Campus Council officials, Students’ Union Governments, senators and stakeholders had been placed on notice to prepare for the planned shutdown.
“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.
“Students should also prepare to return peacefully to their respective homes until peace, stability and adequate safety are restored across the state,” NANS stated.
The association, however, noted that the exact date, duration and operational details of the action would be communicated only through recognised NANS and Students’ Union channels.
While affirming students’ constitutional right to participate in the electoral process, the association warned political actors against exploiting undergraduates for electoral gains.
“We are not opposed to lawful voter education, registration or political participation. Nigerian students have the constitutional right to register, vote and participate responsibly in the democratic process.
“However, students must never be deceptively transported, profiled, pressured or treated merely as electoral statistics by political actors whose only interest in them begins and ends with securing their votes,” it stated.
It also advised students not to surrender sensitive personal information to unknown persons or board unmarked vehicles operated by individuals whose identities could not be verified.
The association urged students to vote according to competence and credibility rather than intimidation or inducement.
“We therefore urge every student in Osun State to vote according to conscience, competence, credibility and proven commitment to education and student welfare—not according to intimidation, inducement or empty campaign promises,” it stated.
NANS insisted that the proposed shutdown was not politically motivated but intended solely to protect students.
“This action is not politically sponsored. It is not directed toward promoting or opposing any political party, candidate or political interest.
“It is a necessary protective measure arising from our responsibility to defend the lives, welfare and constitutional rights of Nigerian students.
“We would rather temporarily suspend academic activities than issue condolence statements after preventable harm has been inflicted upon our members,” NANS declared.
The association further warned political parties, candidates and their supporters to keep violence away from campuses.
“No campus must be converted into a recruitment centre for political thuggery. No student must be targeted because of political opinion, association or refusal to support a particular candidate.”
It also cautioned students against joining violent gatherings or taking the law into their own hands.
Calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke, security agencies, heads of tertiary institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the Independent National Electoral Commission to act urgently, the association said the protection of lives must take precedence over political interests.
“The protection of lives is the first responsibility of government. Political ambition must never be placed above the safety of citizens,” the statement noted.
It added that authorities must move beyond public assurances and provide concrete security guarantees for students.
NANS maintained that its position would remain unchanged until the government engages the student leadership and provides credible security guarantees.
“Until credible security guarantees are provided and genuine engagement is initiated with the student leadership, our position remains firm:
“No security, no academic activities.
“Our campuses will not become killing fields.
“Our students will not be used as political tools.
“The safety of Nigerian students is not negotiable.
“An injury to one Nigerian student is an injury to all,” the statement concluded.
